Compare 5/16 and 15/36
5/16 is smaller than 15/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
5/16 = 5 × 9/16 × 9 = 45/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
15/36 = 15 × 4/36 × 4 = 60/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/144 < 60/144 or 5/16 < 15/36
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