Compare 1/48 and 5/72
1/48 is smaller than 5/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
1/48 = 1 × 3/48 × 3 = 3/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
5/72 = 5 × 2/72 × 2 = 10/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/144 < 10/144 or 1/48 < 5/72
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