Compare 1/5 and 32/48
1/5 is smaller than 32/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 48 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 48 = 240,
1/5 = 1 × 48/5 × 48 = 48/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
32/48 = 32 × 5/48 × 5 = 160/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/240 < 160/240 or 1/5 < 32/48
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