Compare 1/72 and 45/12
1st number: 1/72, 2nd number: 3 9/12
1/72 is smaller than 45/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 12 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
1/72 = 1 × 1/72 × 1 = 1/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
45/12 = 45 × 6/12 × 6 = 270/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1/72 < 270/72 or 1/72 < 45/12
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