Compare 5/30 and 16/40
5/30 is smaller than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 4 = 120,
5/30 = 5 × 4/30 × 4 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/120 < 48/120 or 5/30 < 16/40
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