Compare 42/72 and 18/48
42/72 is greater than 18/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
42/72 = 42 × 2/72 × 2 = 84/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
18/48 = 18 × 3/48 × 3 = 54/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/144 > 54/144 or 42/72 > 18/48
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