Math 6High ( Period 3)

Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers 4.8

Up until now we have focused on positive and negative Integers—now we will look at Rational Numbers – negative Fractions, negative Decimals and negative Mixed Numbers!

Please review Page 202 for graphing Negative Decimals and Negative Fractions

Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers

Complete the statements using < , >,  or =

-1/6  ? -0.6

-9/8  ?  -1.125

-2 1/3  ?  -2.1

To find the correct solution for each of the above, rewrite the fractions and mixed numbers as decimals. Then graph the numbers on a number line and compare.

-1/6 is    - 0.1666… or rounded   -0.17

-0.17 is to the right of -0.6 so

-1/6 > -0.6

-9/8 = -1 1/8 = -1.125

so -9/8 is at the same point on the number line as -1.125 so

-9/8 = -1.125

-2 1/3 = -2.33333 or rounded to -2.3 which is to the left of -2.1

so

-2 1/3 < -2.1

Ordering Positive and Negative Numbers

Write  1.3 ,     -2 ½ ,  - 2.6  and 3/8 in order from least to greatest.

Solution

1.  First rewrite the fractions as decimals ( or the decimals  as fractions)

-2½ = -2.5  and 3/8 = 0.375

2. Then draw a number line. You can estimate to plot the points.

(See our textbook page 203)

From least to greatest

-2.6,    -2 ½ ,   3/8,   1.3