Comparison Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Place −73-\dfrac{7}{3}, −2.4-2.4, −52-\dfrac{5}{2}, and −2-2 in order from least to greatest.

Solution

  1. 1
    Convert all to decimals: −73≈−2.333-\dfrac{7}{3} \approx -2.333, −2.4=−2.4-2.4 = -2.4, −52=−2.5-\dfrac{5}{2} = -2.5, −2=−2.0-2 = -2.0.
  2. 2
    Order the decimals on a number line (most negative is least): −2.5<−2.4<−2.333<−2.0-2.5 < -2.4 < -2.333 < -2.0.
  3. 3
    In original form: −52<−2.4<−73<−2-\dfrac{5}{2} < -2.4 < -\dfrac{7}{3} < -2.

Answer

−52<−2.4<−73<−2-\dfrac{5}{2} < -2.4 < -\dfrac{7}{3} < -2
Comparing negative numbers is the reverse of comparing positives: the number with the larger absolute value is smaller. Converting all values to decimals first makes ordering straightforward.

About Comparison

Determining how two quantities relate in terms of size or value, using the symbols <<, >>, or ==.

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More Comparison Examples

Example 1 easy

Compare [formula] and [formula]. Which is greater?

Example 3 easy

Insert [formula], [formula], or [formula] between each pair: (a) [formula] and [formula], (b) [formu

Example 4 medium

Without a calculator, determine which is larger: [formula] or [formula].

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