Compare 72/27 and 21/16
1st number: 2 18/27, 2nd number: 1 5/16
72/27 is greater than 21/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 16 is 432
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 432 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 16 = 432,
72/27 = 72 × 16/27 × 16 = 1152/432 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 27 = 432,
21/16 = 21 × 27/16 × 27 = 567/432 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1152/432 > 567/432 or 72/27 > 21/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/27 and 42/16 72/54 and 21/16 72/27 and 21/32 72/27 and 63/16 72/81 and 21/16 72/27 and 21/48 72/27 and 21/80