Compare rational numbers
Key notes:
1. Definition of Rational Numbers:
- A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.
- Example: 3/4, −5/6, 7, 1/2, etc.
2. Comparing Rational Numbers:
- To compare rational numbers, they must be expressed with a common denominator or as decimals.
- Commonly, rational numbers are compared by converting them to either:
- Decimal form
- Fraction form with a common denominator.
3. Steps to Compare Rational Numbers:
- Step 1: Convert to a common denominator or decimal:
- If the numbers are fractions, find the least common denominator (LCD) and rewrite the fractions with this denominator.
- If the numbers are decimals, simply compare the decimal values.
- Step 2: Compare the numerators (if fractions):
- If two fractions have the same denominator, compare their numerators to determine which is larger or smaller.
- Step 3: Compare the decimal values (if decimal form):
- Compare the digits after the decimal point to determine which number is larger.
Learn with an example
⛳ Which sign makes the statement true?
-8 ____ -1/2
- Remember that when comparing negative numbers, larger numbers like 8 (if you ignore the minus sign) are less than smaller numbers like 1/2.
- So: -8 < -1/2
⛳ Which sign makes the statement true?
-2 3/8 _____ 0
- A negative number like -2 3/8 is always less than zero.
- So: -2 3/8 < 0
⛳ Which sign makes the statement true?
0 ____ -5 5/8.
A negative number like -5 5/8 is always less than zero.
So: 0 > – 5 5/8
Let’s practice!🖊️
