Question 1209284
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which of the following numbers is the smallest? A. 3/7 B.1/3 C.5/6 D.9/14
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<pre>
Write these numbers with the common denominator.


The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is 7*3*2 = 42.


{{{3/7}}} = {{{(3*6)/42}}} = {{{18/42}}}.

{{{1/3}}} = {{{(1*14)/42}}} = {{{14/42}}}.

{{{5/6}}} = {{{(5*7)/42}}} = {{{35/42}}}.

{{{9/14}}} = {{{(9*3)/42}}} = {{{27/42}}}.


Comparing fractions (their numerators), you see that  {{{14/42}}}  is the smallest number.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  {{{14/42}}} = {{{1/3}}}  is the smallest number.
</pre>

Solved.


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There are other, even more effective ways to find the smallest number.


For example, 1/3 multiplied by 3 gives 1.


All other listed numbers, multiplied by 3, give the product greater than 1 (which is OBVIOUS).


It means that 1/3 is the smallest number among the listed.



Nevertheless, the explanation, which I gave in first part of my post, is the #1 explanation 
to this question, which a teacher usually provides to students in the class at normal study process.


All other explanations are #2, #3, #4 and so on . . .