Compare 3/48 and 2/16
3/48 is smaller than 2/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
3/48 = 3 × 1/48 × 1 = 3/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
2/16 = 2 × 3/16 × 3 = 6/48 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/48 < 6/48 or 3/48 < 2/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/48 and 2/16 3/48 and 4/16 3/96 and 2/16 3/48 and 2/32 9/48 and 2/16 3/48 and 6/16 3/48 and 2/48 15/48 and 2/16 3/48 and 10/16 3/48 and 2/80 21/48 and 2/16 3/48 and 14/16