Most efficent way to solve this simple math problem

[DrTacoElf]

Anyone have a systematic approach for rapidly answering these?

Which is the smallest?

A. 11/16

B. 5/46

C. 1/5

D. 2/9

E. 7/36

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[DrTacoElf]

yeah i realize this one is pretty easy, but some popup that are so close you have to use long division (at least i do)

 

[HBomb]

This is how I would approach it, but it still may take time. First eliminate any clear wrong answer choices. Then compare two numbers at a time, by finding the lowest common denominator and comparing the numerators. I think this approach is better than long division.

 

[isd121]

one quick way to solve compare numerator with denominator

A. 11/16 both are very close

B. 5/46 denominator is almost 9 time bigger than numerator

C. 1/5 denominator is 5 time bigger than numerator

D. 2/9 denominator is almost 4.5 time bigger than numerator

E. 7/36 denominator is almost 5 time bigger than numerator

bigger denominator as compare to numerator means value is smaller.

I think B is smallest

 

[busdriver]

another cool trick you can use is when you eliminate down to 2 or 3 (preferably 2) you can cross multiply going from denominator to numberator. for instance, if you're comparing 6/7 to 13/15 (this is just an example). you take the 7 and you multiply with 13 giving you 91 (right side). 15 times 6 is 90 (left side). thus, 6/7 (the left side) is smaller than 13/15.

this is probably a lot easier to understand if someone shows you on paper...sorry if i confused you