Compare 16/42 and 36/80
16/42 is smaller than 36/80
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 80 is 1680
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1680 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 40 = 1680,
16/42 = 16 × 40/42 × 40 = 640/1680 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 80 × 21 = 1680,
36/80 = 36 × 21/80 × 21 = 756/1680 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 640/1680 < 756/1680 or 16/42 < 36/80
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