Compare 3/16 and 12/56
3/16 is smaller than 12/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 56 is 112
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 112 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 7 = 112,
3/16 = 3 × 7/16 × 7 = 21/112 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 2 = 112,
12/56 = 12 × 2/56 × 2 = 24/112 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/112 < 24/112 or 3/16 < 12/56
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