Compare 5/15 and 45/72
5/15 is smaller than 45/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
5/15 = 5 × 24/15 × 24 = 120/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
45/72 = 45 × 5/72 × 5 = 225/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/360 < 225/360 or 5/15 < 45/72
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