Compare 72/20 and 15/42
1st number: 3 12/20, 2nd number: 15/42
72/20 is greater than 15/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 42 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
72/20 = 72 × 21/20 × 21 = 1512/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
15/42 = 15 × 10/42 × 10 = 150/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1512/420 > 150/420 or 72/20 > 15/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/20 and 30/42 72/40 and 15/42 72/20 and 15/84 72/20 and 45/42 72/60 and 15/42 72/20 and 75/42