document.write( "Question 162606: In your own words, explain in detail why we can determine which of two fractions is greater by using the cross-multiplying method. What is the rationale behind this method? What are we really doing when we cross-multiply in order to compare fractions? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #119842 by stanbon(75887)\"\" \"About 
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In your own words, explain in detail why we can determine which of two fractions is greater by using the cross-multiplying method. What is the rationale behind this method? What are we really doing when we cross-multiply in order to compare fractions?
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\n" ); document.write( "Typical Proportion: a/b = c/d
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\n" ); document.write( "Multiply both sides by bd to get:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "(bd)(a/b) = (bd)(c/d)
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Cancel where you can to get:
\n" ); document.write( "ad = bc (This is the cross-multiplication pattern)
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\n" ); document.write( "Cheers,
\n" ); document.write( "Stan H.
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