Which fraction has the lowest value?

A number line going from negative 1 to positive 1 in increments of 1.
Negative one-eighth
Negative StartFraction 5 Over 8 EndFraction
Negative StartFraction 7 Over 8 EndFraction
Negative StartFraction 3 Over 8 EndFraction

1 answer

To determine which fraction has the lowest value among the given options, we can compare the fractions directly.

The fractions are:

  1. \(-\frac{1}{8}\)
  2. \(-\frac{5}{8}\)
  3. \(-\frac{7}{8}\)
  4. \(-\frac{3}{8}\)

Since all the fractions are negative, the one with the highest absolute value will be the lowest fraction overall.

Now let's look at the absolute values:

  1. Absolute value of \(-\frac{1}{8}\) is \(\frac{1}{8}\).
  2. Absolute value of \(-\frac{5}{8}\) is \(\frac{5}{8}\).
  3. Absolute value of \(-\frac{7}{8}\) is \(\frac{7}{8}\).
  4. Absolute value of \(-\frac{3}{8}\) is \(\frac{3}{8}\).

Ordering these absolute values from smallest to largest:

  1. \(\frac{1}{8}\)
  2. \(\frac{3}{8}\)
  3. \(\frac{5}{8}\)
  4. \(\frac{7}{8}\)

Since \(-\frac{7}{8}\) has the highest absolute value, it is the lowest fraction. Therefore, the fraction with the lowest value is:

\[ -\frac{7}{8} \]