Compare 1/2 and 49/72
1/2 is smaller than 49/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
1/2 = 1 × 36/2 × 36 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
49/72 = 49 × 1/72 × 1 = 49/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/72 < 49/72 or 1/2 < 49/72
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