Comparing and Ordering Real Numbers

Comparing Numbers When we compare numbers we use the following signs: > greater than < less than ≥ greater than or equal to ≤ less than or equal to **Remember the sign always opens up to the larger number

Comparing Numbers If you put both numbers on a number line the one farthest to the right is the larger number. ex: -3 and 4 Can you write two inequalities comparing these two numbers?

4 is further to the right so: 4 > -3 or -3 < 4

Ex: -7 and -2 Can you write two inequalities comparing these two numbers?

-7 is further from zero so: -2 > -7 or -7 < -2

Ordering Numbers 1. Change all of the numbers into decimals. 2. Line up the decimal points. 3. Add zeros so all the numbers have the same number of decimal places. 4. Use place values to compare numbers (think money)

Ex: Order from least to greatest 15, 14.95, 15.8, 15.01 They are already all decimals so line up the decimal points 15 14.95 15.8 15.01

15, 14.95, 15.8, 15.01 Next, add zeros so that each number has the same number of decimal places 15.00 14.95 15.80 15.01

Finally, use place value to compare the decimals Finally, use place value to compare the decimals. Always start from the left!! 15.00 14.95 15.80 15.01 14.95, 15, 15.01, 15.8

Try this one…. Order these numbers from greatest to least 35.06, 35.7, 35.5, 35.849