4-3Comparing & Ordering Rational Numbers
Rational Number—any number that can be written in the form of a fraction:
a & b MUST be INTEGERS—positive or negative WHOLE numbers!
a & b CANNOT be decimals or fractions!
Never write a rational number in this form:
a
b
1432.6
Ex. 1. Compare each of the following rational numbers:
a. 5
8
2
3
24 24
15 16
<Here is a shortcut for comparing any two fractions!
5
8
2
3
15 16<
LOOK FAMILIAR????
We calculated the numerators without worrying about a common denominator!
COMARE THE NUMERATORS!!
4-3Comparing & Ordering Rational Numbers