Compare 3/16 and 20/32
3/16 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 2 = 32,
3/16 = 3 × 2/16 × 2 = 6/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
20/32 = 20 × 1/32 × 1 = 20/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/32 < 20/32 or 3/16 < 20/32
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/16 and 20/32 3/16 and 40/32 3/32 and 20/32 3/16 and 20/64 9/16 and 20/32 3/16 and 60/32 3/48 and 20/32 3/16 and 20/96 15/16 and 20/32 3/80 and 20/32 21/16 and 20/32