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Contributor: Erika Wargo. Lesson ID: 12702
What's a rational number? Is it a number that's sane and can think clearly? It's simply a number that can be expressed as a fraction. You meet them in daily life, so get to know how to work with them!
You are playing a game with your family and the object of the game is to finish with the most points. At the end of the game, you have 6 points, your brother has -5 points, your sister has -2 points, and your mom has 1 point.
Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as a fraction.
Positive and negative rational numbers can be represented on a number line. A number line can be used to help you determine which number is larger and which is smaller. The numbers to the left on a number line are smaller than the numbers to the right on a number line.
In order to compare numbers, you need to use inequality signs:
Greater than: >
Less than: <
Equal to: =
As you watch a video to learn more about comparing rational numbers, address the following in your math journal:
Discuss the questions above with a parent or teacher after you watch Learn League's Comparing Rational Numbers:
When comparing and ordering rational numbers, first convert each number to the same form. When comparing fractions and decimals, it may be easier to convert each number to a decimal first.
Watch a short video to review how to convert rational numbers. As you watch Math Shorts Episode 11 - Converting Rational Numbers, write in your math journal: How do you convert a fraction to a decimal?
Fractions can be converted to a decimal using long division. But you can also convert a fraction to a decimal by using a calculator. If the fraction were ¼, you would type in the numerator divided by the denominator: 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25.
Example Compare and order the following rational numbers from least to greatest: {1⁄5, -2, 1.5}
First, convert the rational numbers to be in the same form. Since there is a fraction and a decimal number, change all the numbers to decimals:
1⁄5 = 1 ÷ 5 = 0.20
-2 = -2.0
1.5 = 1.5
Graph each number on a number line:
Write the numbers in order from least to greatest, or as they appear from left to right on the number line:
-2.0 < 0.20 < 1.5
In your math journal, write a response to the following:
In the Got It? section, you will practice ordering and comparing rational numbers through online games.
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