Compare 5/16 and 45/42
1st number: 5/16, 2nd number: 1 3/42
5/16 is smaller than 45/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 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 42 × 8 = 336,
45/42 = 45 × 8/42 × 8 = 360/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/336 < 360/336 or 5/16 < 45/42
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 45/42 5/16 and 90/42 5/32 and 45/42 5/16 and 45/84 15/16 and 45/42 5/48 and 45/42 25/16 and 45/42 5/80 and 45/42 35/16 and 45/42