Compare 3/16 and 21/42
3/16 is smaller than 21/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
3/16 = 3 × 21/16 × 21 = 63/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
21/42 = 21 × 8/42 × 8 = 168/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/336 < 168/336 or 3/16 < 21/42
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