Compare 16/45 and 21/4
1st number: 16/45, 2nd number: 5 1/4
16/45 is smaller than 21/4
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 4 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
16/45 = 16 × 4/45 × 4 = 64/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 45 = 180,
21/4 = 21 × 45/4 × 45 = 945/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 64/180 < 945/180 or 16/45 < 21/4
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