Compare 1/4 and 16/49
1/4 is smaller than 16/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 49 is 196
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 196 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 49 = 196,
1/4 = 1 × 49/4 × 49 = 49/196 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 4 = 196,
16/49 = 16 × 4/49 × 4 = 64/196 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/196 < 64/196 or 1/4 < 16/49
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