Compare 21/48 and 15/16
21/48 is smaller than 15/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
21/48 = 21 × 1/48 × 1 = 21/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
15/16 = 15 × 3/16 × 3 = 45/48 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/48 < 45/48 or 21/48 < 15/16
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