Compare 2/5 and 16/30
2/5 is smaller than 16/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 30 is 30
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 30 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 6 = 30,
2/5 = 2 × 6/5 × 6 = 12/30 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 1 = 30,
16/30 = 16 × 1/30 × 1 = 16/30 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/30 < 16/30 or 2/5 < 16/30
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