Question

The movement of the progress bar may be uneven because questions can be worth more or less. Compare these rational numbers. Which of the following are true?

i. -2.3 > -1.3
ii. -2.3 < -1.3
iii. -2.3 > -3.3
iv. -2.3 < -3.3
a) i and iv
b) ii and iv
c) ii and i
d) i and iii

Answer 1

The number -2.3 is less than -1.3 and greater than -3.3. The correct comparison statements are ii (-2.3 < -1.3) and iv (-2.3 > -3.3).

Step-by-step explanation:

To compare the given rational numbers, we must understand their placement on the number line. With negative numbers, a more negative number (one with a larger absolute value) is actually less than a less negative number (one with a smaller absolute value). Therefore, when comparing -2.3 and -1.3, we can conclude that -2.3 is less than -1.3 because it is further to the left on the number line.

Comparing -2.3 and -3.3, -2.3 is greater than -3.3 because it is closer to zero on the number line, and thus, less negative. The correct statements are therefore ii (-2.3 < -1.3) and iv (-2.3 > -3.3).