To drive an LED display, first you will need to determine whether it's a common anode display or common cathode. To determine this easily, you may use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to diode test or continuity function, place one lead on the common pin, and the other on a segment pin. If the segment glows with the positive lead on the common, the display is common anode; if it's the other polarity, then the display is common cathode.
Once polarity has been determined, connect the display to the appropriate IC as per the polarity confirmed. For common anode displays, use the 74LS47, and for common cathode displays, use the 74LS48. Connect as shown in Image 1 if using common anode displays or Image 2 if using common cathode displays.
Image 1: Common anode display setup
Image 2: Common cathode display setup
Sending data through the pins labeled A through D will change what's displayed. Be sure to use 5 volt signals only!