Compare 1/16 and 20/21
1/16 is smaller than 20/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 21 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
1/16 = 1 × 21/16 × 21 = 21/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
20/21 = 20 × 16/21 × 16 = 320/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/336 < 320/336 or 1/16 < 20/21
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