Compare 21/72 and 5/16
21/72 is smaller than 5/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
21/72 = 21 × 2/72 × 2 = 42/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
5/16 = 5 × 9/16 × 9 = 45/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/144 < 45/144 or 21/72 < 5/16
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