Which of the following is a rational number between 5 and 5 1/4 (fraction)


26
square root of 26

5 1/8
1 over
8

51 eighth

5 2/5
2 over
5

5 1/3
1 over
3

1 answer

To identify a rational number between 5 and 5 1/4, we first need to convert 5 1/4 into an improper fraction:

5 1/4 = 5 + 1/4 = 20/4 + 1/4 = 21/4.

Now, we are looking for rational numbers between 5 (which is 20/4) and 5 1/4 (which is 21/4).

Now, let's evaluate the given options:

  1. √26: This is an irrational number, so it does not meet the criteria.

  2. 5 1/8: Convert it to an improper fraction: 5 1/8 = 5 + 1/8 = 40/8 + 1/8 = 41/8. This is between 20/4 (which is 40/8) and 21/4 (which is also 42/8). So this option is valid.

  3. 51 eighth: This is 51/8, which is greater than 5 1/4 (21/4 or 42/8), so this option is not valid.

  4. 5 2/5: Convert it to an improper fraction: 5 2/5 = 5 + 2/5 = 25/5 + 2/5 = 27/5. Now, compare 27/5 with 20/4 (which is 27/5 = 5.4) and 21/4 (which is 5.25). This option is greater than 5 1/4, so it's not valid.

  5. 5 1/3: Convert it to an improper fraction: 5 1/3 = 5 + 1/3 = 15/3 + 1/3 = 16/3. To compare 16/3 with 20/4 and 21/4, convert to a common denominator (12):

    • 20/4 = 60/12,
    • 21/4 = 63/12,
    • 16/3 = 64/12. Since 64/12 is greater than both, this option is also not valid.

The only rational number between 5 and 5 1/4 from the given options is 5 1/8.