Final answer:
Using estimation and conversion to decimals, it is determined that -3/8 is greater than -5/11, because -0.375 is greater than -0.4545.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare the two fractions -3/8 and -5/11, we need to find a common denominator or use another method such as converting them to decimals. However, a quick estimation can help us here since we are dealing with negative fractions, and the concepts are similar to comparing positive fractions.
Observing the denominators, 8 is smaller than 11, which means that each part of -3/8 is larger than each part of -5/11 assuming that we had the same number of parts (which is not the case, but this is for estimation). Also, considering the numerators, -3 is closer to zero than -5, so -3/8 will be less negative than -5/11. Thus, we can deduce that -3/8 > -5/11.
To mathematically confirm our estimation, we can convert them to decimals:
- -3/8 = -0.375
- -5/11 ≈ -0.4545
Comparing the decimals, we see that -0.375 is greater than -0.4545. Therefore, it's clear that -3/8 > -5/11.