Compare 5/16 and 21/27
5/16 is smaller than 21/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 27 is 432
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 432 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 27 = 432,
5/16 = 5 × 27/16 × 27 = 135/432 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 16 = 432,
21/27 = 21 × 16/27 × 16 = 336/432 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 135/432 < 336/432 or 5/16 < 21/27
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 21/27 5/16 and 42/27 5/32 and 21/27 5/16 and 21/54 15/16 and 21/27 5/16 and 63/27 5/48 and 21/27 5/16 and 21/81 25/16 and 21/27 5/80 and 21/27 35/16 and 21/27