Compare 3/15 and 5/16
3/15 is smaller than 5/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 16 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 16 = 240,
3/15 = 3 × 16/15 × 16 = 48/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 15 = 240,
5/16 = 5 × 15/16 × 15 = 75/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/240 < 75/240 or 3/15 < 5/16
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