Compare 1/3 and 21/48
1/3 is smaller than 21/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 48 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 16 = 48,
1/3 = 1 × 16/3 × 16 = 16/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
21/48 = 21 × 1/48 × 1 = 21/48 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/48 < 21/48 or 1/3 < 21/48
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