Compare 50/72 and 84/96
50/72 is smaller than 84/96
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 96 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 4 = 288,
50/72 = 50 × 4/72 × 4 = 200/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 96 × 3 = 288,
84/96 = 84 × 3/96 × 3 = 252/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 200/288 < 252/288 or 50/72 < 84/96
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