Compare 5/15 and 16/20
5/15 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
5/15 = 5 × 4/15 × 4 = 20/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
16/20 = 16 × 3/20 × 3 = 48/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/60 < 48/60 or 5/15 < 16/20
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