Compare 21/50 and 16/30
21/50 is smaller than 16/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 30 is 150
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 150 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 3 = 150,
21/50 = 21 × 3/50 × 3 = 63/150 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 5 = 150,
16/30 = 16 × 5/30 × 5 = 80/150 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/150 < 80/150 or 21/50 < 16/30
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