-1/3, -0.6, -1.5, -7/3.
Of the numbers listed above, which number is the greatest?
A.
-0.6
B.
-7/3
C.
-1/3
D.
-1.5
The correct answer and Explanation is :
Let’s compare the four numbers: (-\frac{1}{3}, -0.6, -1.5, -\frac{7}{3}).
Step 1: Convert all numbers to decimal form for easier comparison:
- (-\frac{1}{3} \approx -0.333)
- (-0.6) (already in decimal form)
- (-1.5) (already in decimal form)
- (-\frac{7}{3} \approx -2.333)
Now, the numbers are:
- (-0.333)
- (-0.6)
- (-1.5)
- (-2.333)
Step 2: Compare the numbers
When dealing with negative numbers, the number closest to zero is the greatest because it represents the least negative value. Let’s order these from the least negative (closest to zero) to the most negative:
- (-0.333) is the closest to zero.
- (-0.6) is less than (-0.333).
- (-1.5) is less than (-0.6).
- (-2.333) is the smallest of all.
Thus, (-\frac{1}{3} \approx -0.333) is the greatest of these four values.
Step 3: Conclusion
The number (-\frac{1}{3}) is the greatest, which corresponds to option C.
Explanation:
In the context of negative numbers, the concept of “greatest” refers to the number that is closest to zero because the larger the negative number (in absolute terms), the smaller its value. Here, (-\frac{1}{3}) is the least negative, meaning it has the greatest value compared to the others.