Compare 3/21 and 15/16
3/21 is smaller than 15/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
3/21 = 3 × 16/21 × 16 = 48/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
15/16 = 15 × 21/16 × 21 = 315/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/336 < 315/336 or 3/21 < 15/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/21 and 15/16 3/21 and 30/16 3/42 and 15/16 3/21 and 15/32 9/21 and 15/16 3/21 and 45/16 3/63 and 15/16 3/21 and 15/48 15/21 and 15/16 3/21 and 75/16 3/21 and 15/80