Which of the following is greater?$\frac{-1}{5}$ or $\frac{-1}{2}$

Given :

The given numbers are $\frac{-1}{5}$ and $\frac{-1}{2}$.

To do :

We have to find the greater among the given numbers.

Solution :

To find the greater number among  $\frac{-1}{5}$ and $\frac{-1}{2}$, first, find the greater number among $\frac{1}{5}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$.

To compare, $\frac{1}{5}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$, find the LCM of the denominators.

LCM of 5, 2  is $5\times 2=10$.

Divide 10 by 5, 2, and note down the quotients.

$\frac{10}{5} = 2, \frac{10}{2} = 5$

Multiply both numerator and the denominator of every fraction by the corresponding quotients.

$\frac{1}{5} = \frac{1\times 2}{5 \times 2} =\frac{2}{10}$

$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1\times 5}{2 \times 5} =\frac{5}{10}$

On comparing the numerator, we get,

$5 > 2$.

Therefore, $\frac{1}{2} >\frac{1}{5}$

So,  $\frac{-1}{2} <\frac{-1}{5}$

Therefore, $\frac{-1}{5}$ is greater than $\frac{-1}{2}$.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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