Question

in the battle of antietam, the union and confederate armies both had many casualties, or soldiers who were killed, wounded, or captured. the union army had a higher number of casualties in the battle, but the confederate army lost a higher percentage of its army. why did the confederate army lose a higher percentage of its army even if it suffered fewer casualties? the confederate army was smaller than the union army. the confederate army was larger than the union army. the union and confederate armies were equal in size.

Explanation:

Percentage of casualties is calculated as $\frac{\text{Number of casualties}}{\text{Total size of army}} \times 100\%$. If the Confederate army had fewer total casualties but a higher percentage, its total army size must be smaller than the Union's. A smaller denominator (total army) with a smaller numerator (casualties) can result in a higher percentage value.

Answer:

The Confederate army was smaller than the Union army.