Compare 49/72 and 40/48
49/72 is smaller than 40/48
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,
49/72 = 49 × 2/72 × 2 = 98/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
40/48 = 40 × 3/48 × 3 = 120/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 98/144 < 120/144 or 49/72 < 40/48
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