Compare 1/16 and 20/32
1/16 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 2 = 32,
1/16 = 1 × 2/16 × 2 = 2/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
20/32 = 20 × 1/32 × 1 = 20/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 2/32 < 20/32 or 1/16 < 20/32
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