Compare 50/48 and 72/42
1st number: 1 2/48, 2nd number: 1 30/42
50/48 is smaller than 72/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
50/48 = 50 × 7/48 × 7 = 350/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
72/42 = 72 × 8/42 × 8 = 576/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 350/336 < 576/336 or 50/48 < 72/42
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