Compare 9/15 and 42/40
1st number: 9/15, 2nd number: 1 2/40
9/15 is smaller than 42/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
9/15 = 9 × 8/15 × 8 = 72/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/120 < 126/120 or 9/15 < 42/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/15 and 42/40 9/15 and 84/40 9/30 and 42/40 9/15 and 42/80 27/15 and 42/40 9/45 and 42/40 45/15 and 42/40 9/75 and 42/40 63/15 and 42/40