If 
-
5
2
 < 
-
1
2
, how are the positions of the numbers 
-
5
2
 and 
-
1
2
 related on the horizontal number line?

Number line from minus 3 to 2 highlighting minus 2.5 and minus 0.5.

To compare the positions of \(-\frac{5}{2}\) and \(-\frac{1}{2}\) on the horizontal number line, let's first express these numbers as decimals:  
\[
-\frac{5}{2} = -2.5 \quad \text{and} \quad -\frac{1}{2} = -0.5
\]

### **Relative positions on the number line:**
- **Left side**: Smaller numbers are positioned further to the left.
- **Right side**: Larger numbers are positioned further to the right.

Since \(-2.5 < -0.5\), this means:
- \(-2.5\) (or \(-\frac{5}{2}\)) will be located **to the left** of \(-0.5\) (or \(-\frac{1}{2}\)) on the number line.

---

### **Positioning on a number line from \(-3\) to \(2\):**
- \(-2.5\) lies between \(-3\) and \(-2\).
- \(-0.5\) lies between \(0\) and \(-1\).

Thus, the correct order from **left to right** on the number line is:
\[
-2.5 \quad (\text{left of}) \quad -0.5
\]

Would you like a further breakdown or an illustration of the number line?

---

### **Five related questions:**
1. What are the decimal equivalents of other fractions like \(-\frac{3}{2}\) and \(\frac{1}{4}\)?
2. How do we determine which of two negative fractions is smaller?
3. What is the importance of order on a number line in real-world contexts?
4. How does shifting all numbers by a positive constant affect their positions on a number line?
5. How can inequalities be solved by interpreting them on a number line?

---

### **Tip:**  
When comparing negative numbers, **the smaller the absolute value**, the larger the number. For instance, \(-0.5\) is larger than \(-2.5\) since \(|-0.5| < |-2.5|\).

If -5/2 < -1/2, how are the positions of the numbers -5/2 and -1/2 related on the horizontal number line?

Understand how to compare the positions of the negative fractions -5/2 and -1/2 on a number line. This solution demonstrates how smaller numbers are positioned further left and explains the relative order of -2.5 and -0.5 on a number line from -3 to 2. Suitable for students in Grades 5-7.

Math Problem Statement

If

5 2 <

1 2 , how are the positions of the numbers

5 2 and

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation