Compare 16/5 and 81/21
1st number: 3 1/5, 2nd number: 3 18/21
16/5 is smaller than 81/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 21 is 105
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 105 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 21 = 105,
16/5 = 16 × 21/5 × 21 = 336/105 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 5 = 105,
81/21 = 81 × 5/21 × 5 = 405/105 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 336/105 < 405/105 or 16/5 < 81/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/5 and 81/21 16/10 and 81/21 16/5 and 81/42 48/5 and 81/21 16/15 and 81/21 16/5 and 81/63 80/5 and 81/21 16/25 and 81/21 16/35 and 81/21