Compare 3/16 and 20/48
3/16 is smaller than 20/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 48 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
3/16 = 3 × 3/16 × 3 = 9/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
20/48 = 20 × 1/48 × 1 = 20/48 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/48 < 20/48 or 3/16 < 20/48
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