2009 AMC 10B Problem 2

Attempt Problem 2 of the 2009 AMC 10B below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2009 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

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2.

Which of the following is equal to 1314  1213 ?\dfrac{\frac13-\frac14\ }{\ \frac12-\frac13\ }?

14\dfrac14

13\dfrac13

12\dfrac12

23\dfrac23

34\dfrac34

Answer: C
Concepts:fraction
Difficulty rating: 720
Small Hint:

Multiply the numerator and denominator by 1212

Big Hint:

1314=112\dfrac13-\dfrac14=\dfrac1{12} and 1213=16\dfrac12-\dfrac13=\dfrac16

Solution:

The least common denominator of the small fractions is 12,12, so multiply top and bottom by 12:12: 13141213=4364=12. \dfrac{\frac13-\frac14}{\frac12-\frac13}=\dfrac{4-3}{6-4}=\dfrac12.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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