Question

Which of the two rational number (4/-5) or (-7/8) grater in the pairs?

Answer 1

(4/-5) or (-7/8)

First we write each of the given numbers with a positive denominator.

= (4/-5)

= [(4× (-1))/ (-5×-1)]

= (-4/5)

The LCM of the denominators 5 and 8 is 40

∴ (-4/5) = [(-4×8)/ (5×8)] = (-32/40)

and (-7/8) = [(-7×5)/ (8×5)] = (-35/40)

Now, -32 > -35

⇒ (-32/40) > (-35/40)

⇒ (-4/5) > (-7/8)

Hence, (4/-5) > (-7/8)

∴ (4/-5) is greater.