Compare 5/9 and 45/72
5/9 is smaller than 45/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
5/9 = 5 × 8/9 × 8 = 40/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
45/72 = 45 × 1/72 × 1 = 45/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/72 < 45/72 or 5/9 < 45/72
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