Compare 16/36 and 16/5
1st number: 16/36, 2nd number: 3 1/5
16/36 is smaller than 16/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
16/36 = 16 × 5/36 × 5 = 80/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
16/5 = 16 × 36/5 × 36 = 576/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/180 < 576/180 or 16/36 < 16/5
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