1. Comparing Rational Numbers Absent copy 11/14,15

2. A Rational number is any number (neg. or pos
A Rational number is any number (neg. or pos.) that can be written as a fraction. But a fraction can also be written as a decimal. Ex: Make fraction / /

3. Example #1
Which Rational number(fraction) is greater or are they equal • 5 7 • 8 12 • 8 12 • Solution
In order to compare these fractions what do they both have to have?
You have to get a common denominator.
How do we get a common denominator?
You cross multiply each denominator to the whole fraction.
After cross multiplying what do we do?
You re-write each fraction.
What do we compare to see what fraction is greater?
You compare the numerators on each fraction and see what one is greater or maybe they are equal. 5 8

4. Example #2
Which Rational number(fraction)
is greater or are they equal.
15 5
5 • • 15
5 • • 15
30 = 30
Solution
In order to compare these fractions what do they both have to have?
You have to get a common denominator.
How do we get a common denominator?
You cross multiply each denominator to the whole fraction.
After cross multiplying what do we do?
You re-write each fraction.
What do we compare to see what fraction is greater?
You compare the numerators on each fraction and see what one is greater or maybe they are equal.
They are equal

5. Example #3 -2 3 Which Rational number(fraction)
In order to compare these fractions what do they both have to have?
You have to get a common denominator.
How do we get a common denominator?
You cross multiply each denominator to the whole fraction.
After cross multiplying what do we do?
You re-write each fraction.
What do we compare to see what fraction is greater?
You compare the numerators on each fraction and see what one is greater or maybe they are equal.
What is the difference when looking at numerators that are Neg.?
When both numerators are neg. the smaller number is really greater.
Which Rational number(fraction)
is greater or are they equal.
7 • • 3
7 • • 3
-14
Solution -2 3

6. Example #4
Which Rational number(fraction)
is greater or are they equal.
2¼ ½
4 2
2 • 9 5 • 4
2 • • 4
18 20
8 8 20
Solution
In order to compare these fractions what do we have to do first? (2 steps)
You have to change the mixed number into a fraction.
You have to get a common denominator for both fractions.
How do we get a common denominator?
You cross multiply each denominator to the whole fraction.
After cross multiplying what do we do?
You re-write each fraction.
What do we compare to see what fraction is greater?
You compare the numerators on each fraction and see what one is greater or maybe they are equal.
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