Question

On the following number line, two rational numbers are graphed. Represent the two numbers as fractions (or mixed numbers) in lowest terms, and write two different expressions to represent the difference between them. Then, find the difference, showing all of your work.

Answer 1

The answer is below

Explanation:

A rational number is a number in the form p/q where p and q are both integer numbers.

From the number line, each one unit is divided into six, therefore each one point is 1/6 unit. For the first number, it is between 0 and 1 and is on the fifth point, therefore the expression of the first number = 0 + 5(1/6) = 0 + 5/6 = 5/6

For the second number, it is between -1 and -2 and is on the third point, therefore the expression of the second number = -1 - 3(1/6) = -1 - 3/6 = -9/6

The difference between the two numbers is:

5/6 - (-9/6) = 5/6 + 9/6 = 14/6