Compare 12/72 and 16/45
12/72 is smaller than 16/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
12/72 = 12 × 5/72 × 5 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
16/45 = 16 × 8/45 × 8 = 128/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/360 < 128/360 or 12/72 < 16/45
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