Compare 45/72 and 40/50
45/72 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 50 is 1800
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1800 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 25 = 1800,
45/72 = 45 × 25/72 × 25 = 1125/1800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 36 = 1800,
40/50 = 40 × 36/50 × 36 = 1440/1800 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1125/1800 < 1440/1800 or 45/72 < 40/50
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