d Problem: Which is smaller, 1/3 or 5/9 ? (equivalent fractions) | Job Exam Rare Mathematics (JEMrare) - Solved MCQs

# Problem: Which is smaller, 1/3 or 5/9 ? (equivalent fractions)

Problem: Which is smallest, 1/3 or 5/9 ?

Solutions:

This is problem of equivalent fractions !

We are given to fractions,

$\frac{1}{3}$  —————–(1)

and

$\frac{5}{9}$ ——————-(2)

and we have to tell which one is smallest !

We note that in the second fraction denominator is 9 i-e 5 is being divided by 9

To tell answer we have to make denominator in the first fraction 9 as well !

This can be done by multiplying nominator and denominator by 3

i-e

$\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1\times 3}{3\times3}=\frac{3}{9}$   ——————(3)

So, third fraction is equivalent of first fraction – because if we cancel 3 by three in third fraction we again get the first fraction.

Now according to second fraction 5 (bigger thing) is divided by 9 , but in third fraction 3(smaller thing) is divided by 9 , So, obviously the answer of second fraction will be greater and that of thrid fraction will be smaller — so the thrid fraction is smaller !

But third fraction is equivalent of first fraction – hence we can say between first and second fractions – the first one is smaller !