Chapter 3.3, Problem 72SR

To determine

To replace: the sign $•$ with $<,>$ , or $=$ in the given expression.

Answer to Problem 72SR

The dot can be replaced by the symbol $<$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Given expression

  $\frac{7}{8}•\frac{8}{9}$

Calculation:

Express both sides in decimal.

Write $\frac{7}{8}$ as decimal.

  $8\begin{array}{c}\hfill 0.85\\ \hfill \overline{)7.0}\end{array}$

Thus,

  $\frac{7}{8}=0.85$

Write $\frac{8}{9}$ as decimal

  $9\begin{array}{c}\hfill 0.88\\ \hfill \overline{)8.0}\end{array}$

Thus,

  $\frac{8}{9}=0.88$

Thus, the sentence is:

  $\begin{array}{c}\frac{7}{8}•\frac{8}{9}\\ 0.85•0.88\\ 0.85<0.88\end{array}$

Therefore, the dot can be replaced by the symbol $<$ .