Compare 5/15 and 16/45
5/15 is smaller than 16/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 45 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
5/15 = 5 × 3/15 × 3 = 15/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 1 = 45,
16/45 = 16 × 1/45 × 1 = 16/45 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/45 < 16/45 or 5/15 < 16/45
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