1994 AJHSME Problems/Problem 1

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Problem

Which of the following is the largest?

$\text{(A)}\ \dfrac{1}{3} \qquad \text{(B)}\ \dfrac{1}{4} \qquad \text{(C)}\ \dfrac{3}{8} \qquad \text{(D)}\ \dfrac{5}{12} \qquad \text{(E)}\ \dfrac{7}{24}$

Solution

$\dfrac{3}{8}$ and $\dfrac{5}{12}$ are the only fractions where the numerator is close to half of the denominator. $\dfrac{3}{8}$ is equal to .375 and $\dfrac{5}{12}$ is equal to approximately .41. $\boxed{\text{(D)}}$