Compare 3/21 and 16/27
3/21 is smaller than 16/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 27 is 189
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 189 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 9 = 189,
3/21 = 3 × 9/21 × 9 = 27/189 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 7 = 189,
16/27 = 16 × 7/27 × 7 = 112/189 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/189 < 112/189 or 3/21 < 16/27
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 16/27 3/21 and 32/27 3/42 and 16/27 3/21 and 16/54 9/21 and 16/27 3/21 and 48/27 3/63 and 16/27 3/21 and 16/81 15/21 and 16/27 3/21 and 80/27