Compare 5/12 and 16/36
5/12 is smaller than 16/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
5/12 = 5 × 3/12 × 3 = 15/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
16/36 = 16 × 1/36 × 1 = 16/36 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/36 < 16/36 or 5/12 < 16/36
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