Compare Products to Factor Sizes Practice Test

Three friends are calculating portions of a 36-slice pizza order. Anna calculates $$\frac{5}{12} \times 36$$, Ben calculates $$\frac{1}{3} \times 36$$, and Carmen calculates $$\frac{3}{8} \times 36$$. Without finding exact answers, whose calculation will give the result closest to half the pizza?

A store reduces prices by multiplying them by $$\frac{4}{5}$$. Another store reduces prices by multiplying them by $$\frac{7}{9}$$. Both stores start with the same $45 item. Without calculating the sale prices, which store offers the better deal and why?