Compare 36/48 and 12/5
1st number: 36/48, 2nd number: 2 2/5
36/48 is smaller than 12/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 5 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
36/48 = 36 × 5/48 × 5 = 180/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 48 = 240,
12/5 = 12 × 48/5 × 48 = 576/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/240 < 576/240 or 36/48 < 12/5
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