Compare 1/16 and 36/50
1/16 is smaller than 36/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 50 is 400
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 400 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 25 = 400,
1/16 = 1 × 25/16 × 25 = 25/400 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 8 = 400,
36/50 = 36 × 8/50 × 8 = 288/400 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/400 < 288/400 or 1/16 < 36/50
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