Compare 12/96 and 18/72
12/96 is smaller than 18/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 96 and 72 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 96 × 3 = 288,
12/96 = 12 × 3/96 × 3 = 36/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 4 = 288,
18/72 = 18 × 4/72 × 4 = 72/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/288 < 72/288 or 12/96 < 18/72
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