Question

2/15 + 1/3 and 6/7- 1/3

A B
which of the two sums is closer to 1/2?

you must show your working and state clearly weather the answer is 'A' OR 'B'

Answer 1

6/7 -1/3 is closer

Explanation:

2/15 + 1/3

get a common denominator 15

2/15 + 1/3* 5/5 = 2/15 + 5/15 = 7/15

6/7 - 1/3

get a common denominator 21

6/7 *3/3 - 1/3 *7/7 = 18/21 - 7/21 =11/21

now subtract 1/2 from each

7/15 -1/2

14/30 - 15/30 = -1/30

11/21 - 1/2

22/42 - 21/42 = 1/42

since we are trying to find which is closer we only care about the absolute value of the number (not whether it is positive or negative)

1/30 > 1/42