Compare 5/36 and 16/21
5/36 is smaller than 16/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 21 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
5/36 = 5 × 7/36 × 7 = 35/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
16/21 = 16 × 12/21 × 12 = 192/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/252 < 192/252 or 5/36 < 16/21
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