Question

Which of the following numbers is the greatest?

• A. $\frac{-1}{2}$
• B. $0$
• C. $\frac{1}{2}$
• D. $-2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\frac{1}{2}$

The given numbers are $\frac{-1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2},\text{and}-2$

We can write $0$ and $-2$ as $\frac{0}{1}$ and $\frac{-2}{1}$ respectively.

For comparing all the $4$ rational numbers, we have to make their denominators same.

Hence, multiplying $\frac{2}{2}$ with $\frac{0}{1}and\frac{-2}{1}$.

Now, the numbers will be:

$\frac{-1}{2},\frac{0}{2},\frac{1}{2}and\frac{-4}{2}$

Comparing the numerators, we get:

$-4<-1<0<1$

Hence, the rational number with numerator $1$ is the greatest.

Hence, $\frac{1}{2}$ is the greatest of all the given numbers.