Compare 5/72 and 9/48
5/72 is smaller than 9/48
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,
5/72 = 5 × 2/72 × 2 = 10/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
9/48 = 9 × 3/48 × 3 = 27/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/144 < 27/144 or 5/72 < 9/48
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