Compare 1/2 and 16/18
1/2 is smaller than 16/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 18 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 9 = 18,
1/2 = 1 × 9/2 × 9 = 9/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 1 = 18,
16/18 = 16 × 1/18 × 1 = 16/18 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/18 < 16/18 or 1/2 < 16/18
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