Compare 5/18 and 5/16
5/18 is smaller than 5/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
5/18 = 5 × 8/18 × 8 = 40/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
5/16 = 5 × 9/16 × 9 = 45/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/144 < 45/144 or 5/18 < 5/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/18 and 5/16 5/18 and 10/16 5/36 and 5/16 5/18 and 5/32 15/18 and 5/16 5/18 and 15/16 5/54 and 5/16 5/18 and 5/48 25/18 and 5/16 5/18 and 25/16 5/90 and 5/16 5/18 and 5/80 35/18 and 5/16 5/18 and 35/16