Compare 3/8 and 16/72
3/8 is greater than 16/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
16/72 = 16 × 1/72 × 1 = 16/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/72 > 16/72 or 3/8 > 16/72
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