Choose The Correct Symbol To Compare The Expressions. Do Not Multiply. 2 1 8 ? 2 1 8 × 22 10 2 \frac{1}{8} \quad ? \quad 2 \frac{1}{8} \times \frac{22}{10} 2 8 1 ? 2 8 1 × 10 22 A. □ \square □ B. $\ \textless \ $ C. = = =
Introduction
When comparing expressions, it's essential to choose the correct symbol to represent the relationship between them. In this article, we'll explore the correct symbol to use when comparing the expressions and . We'll examine the different options and provide a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Expressions
The first expression, , represents a mixed number, which is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. The second expression, , represents the product of a mixed number and a fraction.
Option A:
The first option is to use the symbol, which represents "not equal to." However, this symbol is not suitable for comparing the expressions in this case. The reason is that the second expression is a product of a mixed number and a fraction, which can be simplified to a single fraction. Therefore, the symbol is not the correct choice.
Option B: $\ \textless \ $
The second option is to use the $\ \textless \ $ symbol, which represents "less than." However, this symbol is also not suitable for comparing the expressions in this case. The reason is that the second expression is a product of a mixed number and a fraction, which can be simplified to a single fraction. Therefore, the $\ \textless \ $ symbol is not the correct choice.
Option C:
The third option is to use the symbol, which represents "equal to." This symbol is the correct choice for comparing the expressions in this case. The reason is that the second expression can be simplified to a single fraction, which is equal to the first expression.
Step-by-Step Guide
To choose the correct symbol, follow these steps:
- Simplify the second expression: The second expression is a product of a mixed number and a fraction. To simplify it, multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the whole number.
- Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction: The first expression is a mixed number. To convert it to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator.
- Compare the expressions: Once you have simplified the second expression and converted the first expression to an improper fraction, compare the two expressions.
- Choose the correct symbol: Based on the comparison, choose the correct symbol to represent the relationship between the expressions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct symbol to compare the expressions and is the symbol. This symbol represents "equal to," which is the correct relationship between the two expressions. By following the step-by-step guide, you can choose the correct symbol and make an informed decision.
Example
To illustrate the concept, let's consider an example. Suppose we want to compare the expressions and . To simplify the second expression, multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the whole number:
To convert the first expression to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator:
Now, compare the two expressions:
Since the two expressions are equal, the correct symbol to use is the symbol.
Tips and Variations
- When comparing expressions, always simplify the second expression and convert the first expression to an improper fraction.
- Use the symbol to represent "equal to" and the $\ \textless \ $ symbol to represent "less than."
- Be careful when comparing expressions with different denominators. In such cases, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert both expressions to have the same denominator.
Conclusion
Q: What is the correct symbol to use when comparing the expressions and ?
A: The correct symbol to use is the symbol, which represents "equal to." This is because the second expression can be simplified to a single fraction, which is equal to the first expression.
Q: Why is the symbol not suitable for comparing the expressions in this case?
A: The symbol represents "not equal to," but in this case, the second expression can be simplified to a single fraction, which is equal to the first expression. Therefore, the symbol is not the correct choice.
Q: Why is the $\ \textless \ $ symbol not suitable for comparing the expressions in this case?
A: The $\ \textless \ $ symbol represents "less than," but in this case, the second expression can be simplified to a single fraction, which is equal to the first expression. Therefore, the $\ \textless \ $ symbol is not the correct choice.
Q: How do I simplify the second expression in the example ?
A: To simplify the second expression, multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the whole number:
Q: How do I convert the first expression in the example to an improper fraction?
A: To convert the first expression to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator:
Q: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators in the example and ?
A: The least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators is 80.
Q: How do I compare the expressions and using the LCM?
A: To compare the expressions, convert both expressions to have the same denominator, which is 80:
Since the two expressions are equal, the correct symbol to use is the symbol.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when comparing expressions?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when comparing expressions include:
- Not simplifying the second expression
- Not converting the first expression to an improper fraction
- Not using the correct symbol to represent the relationship between the expressions
- Not finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators when comparing expressions with different denominators.
Q: How can I practice choosing the correct symbol to compare expressions?
A: You can practice choosing the correct symbol to compare expressions by working through examples and exercises. Start with simple examples and gradually move on to more complex ones. Make sure to simplify the second expression and convert the first expression to an improper fraction before comparing them.