Compare 72/96 and 40/50
72/96 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 96 and 50 is 2400
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 2400 - For the 1st fraction, since 96 × 25 = 2400,
72/96 = 72 × 25/96 × 25 = 1800/2400 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 48 = 2400,
40/50 = 40 × 48/50 × 48 = 1920/2400 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1800/2400 < 1920/2400 or 72/96 < 40/50
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