Comparing Rational Numbers

We compare numbers based on where they are on the number line. If a number is to the left or below another number, it is less than the other number.

We can think of this as -3 is less than 1.

In math, we write this as -3 < 1

This is called an inequality.

We compare numbers based on where they are on the number line. If a number is to the right or above another number, it is greater than the other number.

We can think of this as 1 is greater than -3.

In math, we write this as 1 > -3

This is called an inequality.

To Compare Numbers…We can think of the numbers on the number line.

The further left or down on a numberline we go, the _______ a number is.

The further right or up on a number line we go, the _______ a number is.

Inequalities compare the values of numbers

RECAP!

< means less than

> means greater than

Lets Try Comparing Numbers

Which is greater, 6 or 2?

Which is greater, -5 or -1?

Which is greater, -8 or -9?

Which is greater 0 or -1/2?

Which is less? Write the inequality

1. 3 or -7?

2. 8 or 23?

3. ¼ or 1/8?

4. .75 or .9?

We can write these as inequalities.Statement Inequality

6 is greater than 2

-1 is greater than -5

-9 is less than -8

-1/2 is less than 0

Compare these numbers by writing an inequality for each

1. 4 and .25

2. -12 and -120

3. -.05 and -.2

4. -7 and -6.95

5. -5 and -5.2

Seven feet below sea level is farther below sea level than 4 ½ feet below sea level.

Sixteen degrees Celsius is warmer than zero degrees Celsius.

Three and one-half yards of fabric is less than five and one-half yards of fabric.

A loss of $500 in the stock market is worse than a gain of $200 in the stock market.

A test score of 64 is worse than a test score of 65, and a test score of 65 is worse than a test score of 67 ½.

In December the total snowfall was 13.2 inches, which is more than the total snowfall in October and November, which was 3.7 inches and 6.15 inches; respectively.