Compare 5/21 and 16/72
5/21 is greater than 16/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
5/21 = 5 × 24/21 × 24 = 120/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
16/72 = 16 × 7/72 × 7 = 112/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/504 > 112/504 or 5/21 > 16/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21 and 16/72 5/21 and 32/72 5/42 and 16/72 15/21 and 16/72 5/21 and 48/72 5/63 and 16/72 25/21 and 16/72 5/21 and 80/72 35/21 and 16/72