Compare 5/72 and 18/50
5/72 is smaller than 18/50
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,
5/72 = 5 × 25/72 × 25 = 125/1800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 36 = 1800,
18/50 = 18 × 36/50 × 36 = 648/1800 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 125/1800 < 648/1800 or 5/72 < 18/50
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