Which sign makes the statement true? 8 1/2 17/2

1 answer

To determine which sign makes the statement true between \( 8 \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \frac{17}{2} \), let's first convert \( 8 \frac{1}{2} \) into an improper fraction.

  1. Convert to improper fraction: \[ 8 \frac{1}{2} = 8 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{16}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{16 + 1}{2} = \frac{17}{2} \]

Now we have:

  • \( 8 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{17}{2} \)
  • The other value is also \( \frac{17}{2} \).

Now we can compare:

  • \( \frac{17}{2} \) is equal to \( \frac{17}{2} \).

This means the statement can be expressed as: \[ 8 \frac{1}{2} \quad ? \quad \frac{17}{2} \] Since both are equal, the appropriate sign to make the statement true is: \[

\]

Therefore, the true statement is: \[ 8 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{17}{2} \]