Which statement correctly compares 11/20 and 5/9 ? A. < B. > C. =

Question

Which statement correctly compares and ?

A.11/20<5/9
<

B.11/20>5/9
>

C.11/20+=5/9
=

Answer 1

11/20 is less than 5/9.  The easiest way to compare two fractions is to compare the numerators while the denominators are equivalent. Also, recall that multiplying a fraction by any fraction that is equal to one does not change its value. It only changes what the fraction looks like. To do this multiply each by a fraction that equals a fraction such that both its numerator and denominator equal the other fractions denominator. In this case, multiply 11/20 by 9/9 while multiplying 5/9 by 20/20.

 

The results are 99/180 and 100/180 respectively. Since 99 is less than 100, 11/20 is less than 5/9 (only by 1/180).

 

I choose letter A above.