Word Problems of Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers

Word problems are utilized to understand comparing and ordering rational numbers betters.

Word Problems of Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers – Examples 1

Sam and Timothy just hiked towards each other in a 4-mile walk. Sam hikes it in 2.5 hours, and Timothy hikes it in \(1 \frac{4}{5}\) hours. Who has been on the road the most?
Solutions:
Step 1: Write 2.5 as a mixed number: \(2.5→2 \frac{1}{2}\)
Step 2: Now compare the numbers. \(2 \frac{1}{2}>1 \frac{4}{5}\)
Sam has been on the road the most.

Word Problems of Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers – Examples 2

Liam heard that it snowed 9.4 inches, and Mason heard that it snowed \(9 \frac{3}{5}\) inches. Who heard that it snowed less?
Solutions:
Step 1: Write 9.4 as a mixed number. \(9.4→9 \frac{2}{5}\)
Step 2: Now compare the numbers. \(9 \frac{2}{5}<9 \frac{3}{5}\)
Liam heard that it snowed less.