Compare 3/84 and 12/16
3/84 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 4 = 336,
3/84 = 3 × 4/84 × 4 = 12/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/336 < 252/336 or 3/84 < 12/16
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