To compare the ratios 17:23 and 5:9, you can do it by either finding their decimal equivalents or by cross-multiplying.
Finding decimal equivalents:
Divide each part of the ratio by the sum of its parts.
For 17:23:
17 ÷ (17+23) = 17 ÷ 40 = 0.425
For 5:9:
5 ÷ (5+9) = 5 ÷ 14 = 0.3571
Now compare the decimals:
0.425 > 0.3571
So, the ratio 17:23 is greater than 5:9.
Cross-multiplying:
Cross-multiply the two ratios and compare the products.
For 17:23 and 5:9, multiply 17 by 9 and 23 by 5:
17 * 9 = 153
23 * 5 = 115
Now compare the products:
153 > 115
So, the ratio 17:23 is greater than 5:9.
In both methods, the result is the same: 17:23 is greater than 5:9.