Question

Which inequality correctly orders the numbers - 9/3, -3/9 and -1?

(A) -1 > -3/9 > -9/3
(B) -1> -9/3 > - 3/9
(C) -9/3 > -1 > -3/9
(D) -3/9 > -1 >-9/3

Answer 1

After simplifying the fractions and converting to decimals, the correct order from greatest to least is -1 > -1/3 > -3, which corresponds to option (B): -1 > -9/3 > -3/9.

Step-by-step explanation:

We need to determine the correct order of the given numbers: -9/3, -3/9, and -1. To compare these numbers, we convert them to common decimals or simplify the fractions where possible. First, we simplify the fractions:

• 9/3 simplifies to -3 (since 9 divided by 3 equals 3),
• -3/9 simplifies to -1/3 (since both the numerator and denominator can be divided by 3).

Next, we compare the numbers:

• -3 is equivalent to -1 multiplied by 3, hence -3 is less than -1,
• -1 is greater than -1/3 since both are negative, and the numerator of -1/3 is less than its denominator.

Therefore, the correct order from greatest to least is:-1 > -1/3 > -3

This corresponds to option (B): -1 > -9/3 > -3/9