Compare 3/9 and 16/20
3/9 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 20 = 180,
3/9 = 3 × 20/9 × 20 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
16/20 = 16 × 9/20 × 9 = 144/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/180 < 144/180 or 3/9 < 16/20
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