Fraction and Mixed number

Question

Explain how you can compare two different mixed numbers that have the same whole number part.

Answer 1

If both mixed numbers have the same whole number, then you can compare the fraction parts to see which is larger

 

You could also change each mixed number to an improper fraction to see which is larger

 

For example, let's examine 2 1/2 and 2 3/4

 

Both have a whole number of 2

 

Now, we know that 1/2 < 3/4 because 1/2 = 2/4, and 2/4 < 3/4

 

Therefore, 2 1/2 < 2 3/4

 

Furthermore, 2 1/2 = 5/2 and 2 3/4 = 11/4 as improper fractions

 

5/2 = 10/4, which is less than 11/4

 

Once more, we have demonstrated that 2 1/2 < 2 3/4