Lesson 4Ordering Rational Numbers
Learning Goal
Let’s order rational numbers.
Learning Targets
I can compare and order rational numbers.
I can use phrases like “greater than,” “less than,” and “opposite” to compare rational numbers.
Lesson Terms
- negative number
- opposite
- sign
Warm Up: How Do They Compare?
Problem 1
Use the symbols >, <, or = to compare each pair of numbers. Be prepared to explain your reasoning.
Activity 1: Ordering Rational Number Cards
Problem 1
Your teacher will give you a set of number cards. Order them from least to greatest.
Your teacher will give you a second set of number cards. Add these to the correct places in the ordered set.
Activity 2: Comparing Points on a Line
Problem 1
Use each of the following terms at least once to describe or compare the values of points
greater than
less than
opposite of (or opposites)
negative number
Problem 2
Tell what the value of each point would be if:
is is -0.4 is 200 is -15
Are you ready for more?
Problem 1
The list of fractions between 0 and 1 with denominators between 1 and 3 looks like this:
Now let’s expand the list to include fractions with denominators of 4. We won’t include
Expand the list again to include fractions that have denominators of 5.
Expand the list you made to include fractions have have denominators of 6.
When you add a new fraction to the list, you put it in between two “neighbors.” Go back and look at your work. Do you see a relationship between a new fraction and its two neighbors?
Lesson Summary
To order rational numbers from least to greatest, we list them in the order they appear on the number line from left to right. For example, we can see that the numbers -2.7, -1.3, 0.8 are listed from least to greatest because of the order they appear on the number line.