Compare 1/3 and 7/16
1/3 is smaller than 7/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 16 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 16 × 3 = 48,
7/16 = 7 × 3/16 × 3 = 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 < 7/16
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