Compare 1/16 and 7/72
1/16 is smaller than 7/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
1/16 = 1 × 9/16 × 9 = 9/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
7/72 = 7 × 2/72 × 2 = 14/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/144 < 14/144 or 1/16 < 7/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/16 and 7/72 1/16 and 14/72 1/32 and 7/72 3/16 and 7/72 1/16 and 21/72 1/48 and 7/72 5/16 and 7/72 1/16 and 35/72 1/80 and 7/72 7/16 and 7/72 1/16 and 49/72