Compare 1/16 and 3/40
1/16 is smaller than 3/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 40 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
1/16 = 1 × 5/16 × 5 = 5/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
3/40 = 3 × 2/40 × 2 = 6/80 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/80 < 6/80 or 1/16 < 3/40
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