Compare 5/16 and 20/21
5/16 is smaller than 20/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 21 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
5/16 = 5 × 21/16 × 21 = 105/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
20/21 = 20 × 16/21 × 16 = 320/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/336 < 320/336 or 5/16 < 20/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/16 and 20/21 5/16 and 40/21 5/32 and 20/21 5/16 and 20/42 15/16 and 20/21 5/16 and 60/21 5/48 and 20/21 5/16 and 20/63 25/16 and 20/21 5/80 and 20/21 35/16 and 20/21