Problem:
What is the correct ordering of the three numbers 195,217, and 239, in increasing order?
Answer Choices:
A. 239<217<195
B. 195<217<239
C. 239<195<217
D. 195<239<217
E. 217<195<239
Solution:
Using a common denominator, 195=399105 and 217=399133, so 195<217.
Also 217=483161 and 239=483189, so 217<239.
OR
Comparing each fraction, 217=31,195<155=31, and 239>279=31, so the correct increasing order is 195<217<239.
Answer: B.
The problems on this page are the property of the MAA's American Mathematics Competitions