Compare 2/16 and 21/36
2/16 is smaller than 21/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
21/36 = 21 × 4/36 × 4 = 84/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/144 < 84/144 or 2/16 < 21/36
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