Comparing two fractions I saw this problem from an elementary textbook: Let A =

flightwingsd2

flightwingsd2

Answered question

2022-06-18

Comparing two fractions
I saw this problem from an elementary textbook:
Let
A = 2014 2015 + 2015 2016
and
B = 2014 + 2015 2015 + 2016
Compare A and B.
I know the answer is A > B because
A B > 1.
But I cannot find a precise way to explain it. Can anyone please help? Thank you.

Answer & Explanation

frethi38

frethi38

Beginner2022-06-19Added 16 answers

Beside the general proofs given in answers
A = 2014 2015 + 2015 2016 = 2014 + 1 1 2015 + 2015 + 1 1 2016 = 1 1 2015 + 1 1 2016
A = 2 1 2015 1 2016 = 2 s m a l l 1
B = 2014 + 2015 2015 + 2016 = 2014 + 1 1 + 2015 + 1 1 2015 + 2016 = 2015 1 + 2016 1 2015 + 2016
B = 1 2 2015 + 2016 = 1 s m a l l 2
Dwllane4

Dwllane4

Beginner2022-06-20Added 6 answers

We are comparing a b + b c with a + b b + c
a b + b c = a ( b + c b ) + b ( b + c c ) b + c so we can compare the numerators.
a ( b + c b ) = a ( 1 + c b ) > a
Likewise,
b ( b + c c ) = b ( 1 + b c ) > b
Therefore, a b + b c = a ( b + c b ) + b ( b + c c ) b + c > a + b b + c so A > B

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