First, write each number as a fraction. Then, plot each of them on the number line.
-0.75< -0.5< 1/2< 3/4
Practice makes perfect
We are asked to order the given numbers from least to greatest.
-0.5, 1/2, -0.75, 3/4
It is usually easiest to compare numbers when they are written in the same format, so our first step will be to write each number as a fraction.
Number
Write as a Quotient
Simplify
-0.5
-5/10
- 1/2
1/2
—
—
-0.75
-75/100
-3/4
3/4
—
—
Now we can start adding the numbers to the given number line. Notice that this line is divided into fourths.
The first number we will write on the number line is -0.5, which we know is equal to - 12. It will be placed one-half to the left of 0, which is exactly in the middle between 0 and -1.
Next let's write 12. This is a positive number, so it will be located to the right of 0.
The next number, -0.75 or - 34, is a negative number. It is three-fourths to the left of 0. We can also think about this as putting the circle three marked units to the left of 0 because each marked unit represents 14.
The last number that we will write is 34.
Finally, we can order the numbers from least to greatest. The least number is -0.75 because it is the farthest to the left. The greatest number is 34 because it is the farthest to the right.
-0.75< -0.5< 1/2< 3/4
