Compare 3/16 and 42/27
1st number: 3/16, 2nd number: 1 15/27
3/16 is smaller than 42/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 27 is 432
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 432 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 27 = 432,
3/16 = 3 × 27/16 × 27 = 81/432 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 16 = 432,
42/27 = 42 × 16/27 × 16 = 672/432 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 81/432 < 672/432 or 3/16 < 42/27
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