Compare 3/7 and 8/16
3/7 is smaller than 8/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 7 and 16 is 112
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 112 - For the 1st fraction, since 7 × 16 = 112,
3/7 = 3 × 16/7 × 16 = 48/112 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 7 = 112,
8/16 = 8 × 7/16 × 7 = 56/112 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/112 < 56/112 or 3/7 < 8/16
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