Compare 16/49 and 21/36
16/49 is smaller than 21/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 49 and 36 is 1764
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1764 - For the 1st fraction, since 49 × 36 = 1764,
16/49 = 16 × 36/49 × 36 = 576/1764 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 49 = 1764,
21/36 = 21 × 49/36 × 49 = 1029/1764 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 576/1764 < 1029/1764 or 16/49 < 21/36
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