Question

Compare:

`(-5)/8 and 7/-12`

Answer 1

The fraction `7/-12`​ can be written as: `7/-12 = (-7)/12`

So, we are comparing: `(-5)/8 and (-7)/12`

The least common denominator (LCD) of 8 and 12 is 24. Rewrite both fractions with a denominator of 24:

1) For `(-5)/8:`

`(-5)/8 = (-5xx3)/(8xx3) = (-15)/24`

2) For `(-7)/12:`

`(-7)/12 = (-7xx2)/(12xx2) = (-14)/24`

Now, compare −15 and −14: −15 < −14.

`(-15)/24 < (-14)/24`

`(-5)/8 < 7/-12`