Compare 1/6 and 16/40
1/6 is smaller than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 20 = 120,
1/6 = 1 × 20/6 × 20 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/120 < 48/120 or 1/6 < 16/40
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