Definition The symbol means is greater than, and the symbol means is less than. Example: 12 7 is read as “12 is greater than 7.” 5 9 is read as “5 is less than 9.” We can use these symbols to compare 3 4 3 4 is greater than We know that as we move to the right on the number line, the numbers get larger. Therefore, as on the number line above, when two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger number. Fill in the blank with or . a) 4 7 _____ 6 7 b) 11 8 1 4 and _____ 1 4 9 8 3 4 and 1 4 . . c) is less than 2 3 1 4 3 4 3 4 . _____ 1 d) 3 8 9 _____ 3 4 9 1 4 Solution a) To compare these fractions, we can think about a shaded fi gure or the placement of 4 7 and 6 7 on a number line. Or, notice that the numerator of 4 7 is less than the numerator of 6 7 . 4 7 6 7 4 7 is less than 6 7 . b) 11 8 9 8 11 8 is greater than 9 8 because 11 8 is to the right of 9 8 on a number line. Notice that the numerator of 11 8 is greater than the numerator of 9 8 . c) 2 3 1 Use because 2 3 is less than 1 whole. d) 3 8 9 3 4 9 The whole-number part of each mixed number is the same, so compare the fractional parts. Because 8 9 is greater than 4 9 , 3 8 9 is greater than 3 4 9 . EXAMPLE 1 YOU TRY 1 Fill in the blank with or . a) 9 10 _____ 3 10 b) 7 6 _____ 19 6 c) 8 3 _____ 3 d) 5 2 11 _____ 5 6 11 272 CHAPTER 4 Adding and Subtracting Fractions www.mhhe.com/messersmith
messersmith_power_basic_college_1e_ch4_7_10
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