Compare 5/21 and 1/16
5/21 is greater than 1/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
5/21 = 5 × 16/21 × 16 = 80/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
1/16 = 1 × 21/16 × 21 = 21/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/336 > 21/336 or 5/21 > 1/16
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