Compare 5/12 and 16/24
5/12 is smaller than 16/24
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 24 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
5/12 = 5 × 2/12 × 2 = 10/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 1 = 24,
16/24 = 16 × 1/24 × 1 = 16/24 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/24 < 16/24 or 5/12 < 16/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/12 and 16/24 5/12 and 32/24 5/24 and 16/24 5/12 and 16/48 15/12 and 16/24 5/12 and 48/24 5/36 and 16/24 5/12 and 16/72 25/12 and 16/24 5/12 and 80/24 5/60 and 16/24 35/12 and 16/24 5/84 and 16/24