Question

Pick the smallest number of the following.

(a) –\(\frac{139}{26}\)

(b) –\(\frac{72}{21}\)

(c) –\(\frac{99}{36}\)

(d) –\(\frac{101}{20}\)

I got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This interesting question is from Rational Numbers Between Two Rational Numbers in division Rational Numbers of Mathematics – Class 8

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) –\(\frac{139}{26}\)

Easiest explanation: The numbers when placed on the number line, the number which is placed nearest from 0 is the smallest. Here the numbers are, –\(\frac{139}{26}\) = -5.34

–\(\frac{72}{21}\) = -3.42

–\(\frac{99}{36}\) = -2.75

–\(\frac{101}{20}\) = -5.05

So, we conclude that the smallest number is –\(\frac{139}{26}\) and hence would be placed smallest from 0. Thing to remember: When the numbers are placed on the left side of the number line, the number farthest from the center is the smallest number. This is due to the negative sign.