Compare 5/9 and 15/16
5/9 is smaller than 15/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
5/9 = 5 × 16/9 × 16 = 80/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
15/16 = 15 × 9/16 × 9 = 135/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/144 < 135/144 or 5/9 < 15/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/9 and 15/16 5/9 and 30/16 5/18 and 15/16 5/9 and 15/32 15/9 and 15/16 5/9 and 45/16 5/27 and 15/16 5/9 and 15/48 25/9 and 15/16 5/9 and 75/16 5/45 and 15/16 5/9 and 15/80 35/9 and 15/16 5/63 and 15/16