Compare 5/48 and 3/9
5/48 is smaller than 3/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
5/48 = 5 × 3/48 × 3 = 15/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
3/9 = 3 × 16/9 × 16 = 48/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/144 < 48/144 or 5/48 < 3/9
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