Compare 1/48 and 5/21
1/48 is smaller than 5/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 21 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
1/48 = 1 × 7/48 × 7 = 7/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
5/21 = 5 × 16/21 × 16 = 80/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 7/336 < 80/336 or 1/48 < 5/21
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