Compare 3/24 and 16/40
3/24 is smaller than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 5 = 120,
3/24 = 3 × 5/24 × 5 = 15/120 - 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
- 15/120 < 48/120 or 3/24 < 16/40
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