is five and one seventh a rational number between five and five and one fourth

1 answer

Yes, \( 5 \frac{1}{7} \) is a rational number between \( 5 \) and \( 5 \frac{1}{4} \).

To clarify:

  • \( 5 \) can be represented as \( 5 \frac{0}{1} \).
  • \( 5 \frac{1}{4} \) can be converted to an improper fraction:

\[ 5 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{20}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{21}{4}. \]

Now, we convert \( 5 \frac{1}{7} \) to an improper fraction:

\[ 5 \frac{1}{7} = \frac{35}{7} + \frac{1}{7} = \frac{36}{7}. \]

Next, we compare the fractions \( \frac{36}{7} \) and \( \frac{21}{4} \) by finding a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 7 and 4 is 28:

  • Convert \( \frac{36}{7} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 28:

\[ \frac{36}{7} = \frac{36 \times 4}{7 \times 4} = \frac{144}{28}. \]

  • Convert \( \frac{21}{4} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 28:

\[ \frac{21}{4} = \frac{21 \times 7}{4 \times 7} = \frac{147}{28}. \]

Now, we see that:

  1. \( 5 = \frac{5 \times 28}{28} = \frac{140}{28} \)
  2. \( 5 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{21}{4} = \frac{147}{28} \)
  3. \( 5 \frac{1}{7} = \frac{36}{7} = \frac{144}{28} \)

Comparing these, we have:

\[ \frac{140}{28} < \frac{144}{28} < \frac{147}{28}, \]

which confirms that

\[ 5 < 5 \frac{1}{7} < 5 \frac{1}{4}. \]

Thus, \( 5 \frac{1}{7} \) is indeed a rational number between \( 5 \) and \( 5 \frac{1}{4} \).