To determine if the fractions \(-\frac{4}{9}\) and \(-\frac{4}{-9}\) are equivalent, let's simplify:
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The fraction \(-\frac{4}{-9}\) simplifies as follows:
\[ -\frac{4}{-9} = \frac{4}{9} \]
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Now, we can compare the two fractions:
- \(-\frac{4}{9}\) is negative.
- \(\frac{4}{9}\) is positive.
Since one fraction is negative and the other is positive, they are not equivalent.
Thus, \(-\frac{4}{9} \neq -\frac{4}{-9}\).