Compare 3/50 and 12/16
3/50 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 16 is 400
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 400 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 8 = 400,
3/50 = 3 × 8/50 × 8 = 24/400 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 25 = 400,
12/16 = 12 × 25/16 × 25 = 300/400 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/400 < 300/400 or 3/50 < 12/16
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