Compare 5/21 and 16/36
5/21 is smaller than 16/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
5/21 = 5 × 12/21 × 12 = 60/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
16/36 = 16 × 7/36 × 7 = 112/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/252 < 112/252 or 5/21 < 16/36
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