Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321785045
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-504-6

Chapter 1 - Section 1.4 - Properties of Real Numbers and Algebraic Expressions - Exercise Set - Page 39: 21

Answer

$\frac{4}{8}\lt\frac{5}{8}$

Work Step by Step

To compare the values of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{5}{8}$, you first need to find the least common denominator. To do this, you first see if the greater of the two denominators can be divided by the lesser. Since 8 can be divided by 2 to get 4, you multiply $\frac{1}{2}$ by $\frac{4}{4}$ (which is 1 expressed in fourths) to get $\frac{4}{8}$. You can compare this new fraction to $\frac{5}{8}$ since they now share a common denominator. Since $4\lt5$, $\frac{4}{8}\lt\frac{5}{8}$.
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