Compare 3/5 and 72/96
3/5 is smaller than 72/96
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 96 is 480
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 480 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 96 = 480,
3/5 = 3 × 96/5 × 96 = 288/480 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 96 × 5 = 480,
72/96 = 72 × 5/96 × 5 = 360/480 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 288/480 < 360/480 or 3/5 < 72/96
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