The Algebra Teacher\'s Guide to Reteaching Essential Concepts and Skills

Name Date

WORKSHEET 2.4: COMPARING RATIONAL NUMBERS

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Every rational number can be paired with a point on a number line. A number is larger than

any number to its left and smaller than any number to its right.

0

−½ ½ 1¼ 1½ 1¾

− 2 − 1

− 1 − 1

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You can compare rational numbers by using a number line or writing equivalent fractions.

After writing equivalent fractions, compare the numerators using > (greater than) or<

(less than). Remember to include any negative signs.

EXAMPLE

Compare−

7

8

and−

9

10

.

−

7

8

=

− 7 × 5

8 × 5

=

− 35

40

−

9

10

=

− 9 × 4

10 × 4

=

− 36

40

Because− 35 >−36,−

7

8

>−

9

10

.

DIRECTIONS: Compare each pair of numbers by using>or<.

1. −

1

3

,−

3

8

2. 
   

1

2

,−

3

5

3. −

1

8

,

1

8

4. −

4

5

,−

6

10

5. 4

4

5

,4

3

4

6. − 9

7

10

,− 9

2

3

CHALLENGE:Jillian compared−

1

4

and−

2

5

this way: She said that

1

4

<

2

5

.

Because−

1

4

is the opposite of

1

4

and−

2

5

is the opposite of

2

5

,−

1

4

>−

2

5

.Is

her answer correct? Explain.

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Copyright

©

2011 by Judith A. Muschla, Gary Robert Muschla, and Erin Muschla. All rights reserved.