Compare 5/30 and 12/16
5/30 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 16 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 8 = 240,
5/30 = 5 × 8/30 × 8 = 40/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 15 = 240,
12/16 = 12 × 15/16 × 15 = 180/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/240 < 180/240 or 5/30 < 12/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/30 and 12/16 5/30 and 24/16 5/60 and 12/16 5/30 and 12/32 15/30 and 12/16 5/30 and 36/16 5/90 and 12/16 5/30 and 12/48 25/30 and 12/16 5/30 and 60/16 5/30 and 12/80 35/30 and 12/16 5/30 and 84/16