Use the number cards \(4\), \(5\), \(6\), and \(8\) exactly once to make \(\frac{a}{b}>\frac{c}{d}\). Both fractions must be proper, and the numerator \(a\) must be less than the numerator \(c\). Find every possible comparison.
Hints
- List every possible ordered numerator pair with \(a<c\).
- Eliminate pairs that cannot leave denominators larger than both numerators.
- For each remaining pair, test every proper assignment of the two denominator cards.
- Keep a checklist so you can justify that every possible arrangement was considered.
Solution
1. The possible numerator pairs with \(a<c\) are \((4,5)\), \((4,6)\), \((4,8)\), \((5,6)\), \((5,8)\), and \((6,8)\).
2. The proper-fraction condition eliminates every pair with numerator \(8\), and it eliminates \((5,6)\) because the remaining denominators \(4\) and \(8\) cannot make both fractions proper.
3. For numerators \((4,5)\), the two proper arrangements are \(\frac{4}{6}\) and \(\frac{5}{8}\), or \(\frac{4}{8}\) and \(\frac{5}{6}\). The first works because \(\frac{4}{6}=\frac{2}{3}=\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{6}\), while \(\frac{5}{8}=\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{8}\), and \(\frac{1}{6}>\frac{1}{8}\). The second does not work because \(\frac{4}{8}=\frac{1}{2}<\frac{5}{6}\).
4. For numerators \((4,6)\), the only proper arrangement is \(\frac{4}{5}\) and \(\frac{6}{8}\). Since \(\frac{4}{5}\) is \(\frac{1}{5}\) below \(1\) and \(\frac{6}{8}=\frac{3}{4}\) is \(\frac{1}{4}\) below \(1\), \(\frac{4}{5}>\frac{6}{8}\).
5. Every possible numerator pair and proper denominator assignment has been checked, so these are the only two comparisons.
Answer
\(\frac{4}{6}>\frac{5}{8}\)
\(\frac{4}{5}>\frac{6}{8}\)