SOLUTION: I am not sure if you can help me with this one. I am reviewing a placement test and came across this problem, and not sure how to tackle it. Or how to figure out which number is la
Question 1117812: I am not sure if you can help me with this one. I am reviewing a placement test and came across this problem, and not sure how to tackle it. Or how to figure out which number is larger or smaller when it is mixed types. I know how to figure out which is larger among fractions and decimals separatel, but not when they are mixed.
What number in the list above has the greatest value?
8/3, 2.28, 10/12 or 0.199.
Thank you
1. Convert the fractions to decimals and then compare them
2. Convert the decimals to fractions and then compare them
3. Plot them all on a number line on a graphing calculator
1 is the easiest. 2 is the most difficult both from the standpoint of the conversion and from the standpoint of the comparison. 3 means you need a graphing calculator and the skill to use it.
On the other hand, you can say to yourself: 8/3 is 2 and 2/3, 2.28 is smaller than 2 and 1/3, 10/12 is a little less than 1 and 0.19 is a lot less than 1.
Looks like they are already arranged in descending order.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
The first two numbers are greater than 1; the last two are less than 1. So if all you need to do is find the largest one, you only need to compare the first two.
Changing decimals to fractions is usually for more difficult than changing fractions to decimals. So divide 8 by 3 to see that it is 2.6666..., which is greater than 2.28; so 8/3 is the largest.
