Compare 2/5 and 16/24
2/5 is smaller than 16/24
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 24 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 24 = 120,
2/5 = 2 × 24/5 × 24 = 48/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 5 = 120,
16/24 = 16 × 5/24 × 5 = 80/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/120 < 80/120 or 2/5 < 16/24
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