Compare 5/16 and 60/72
5/16 is smaller than 60/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 72 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 72 × 2 = 144,
60/72 = 60 × 2/72 × 2 = 120/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/144 < 120/144 or 5/16 < 60/72
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 60/72 5/32 and 60/72 15/16 and 60/72 5/48 and 60/72 25/16 and 60/72 5/80 and 60/72 35/16 and 60/72