Compare 3/12 and 16/24
3/12 is smaller than 16/24
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 24 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
3/12 = 3 × 2/12 × 2 = 6/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 1 = 24,
16/24 = 16 × 1/24 × 1 = 16/24 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/24 < 16/24 or 3/12 < 16/24
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