Why is 3 over 9 less than 4 over 9?

Answer 1

Well you can look at it like this to help explain:

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Each small square is 1/9 (one ninth) of the large square. So if you have 3 over 9 (3 ninths) that is 3 small squares. If you have 4 over 9 (4 ninths) that is 4 small squares.

3 small squares is less than 4 small squares, as is 3/9 < 4/9.