EXAMPLE 2 Writing Reciprocals

The table lists the mean lengths of five species of finches. Order the finch species from shortest to longest.

Biology

EXAMPLE 2

SOLUTION

Write all of the lengths as decimals. The ones digits are all the same, so order according to the tenths digits. 5 5

8 = 5.625 5.5 5 716

5.4375= 5.25 5 34 = 5.75

ANSWER From shortest to longest the species are Painted Bunting, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, House Finch, and Purple Finch.

EXAMPLE 2

Graph the finches’ lengths on a number line.

These lengths, from left to right, correspond to the answer.

Check

GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 2

Order the numbers from least to greatest.

3. 0.51, 3

511, 20

2,3

, 0.62

ANSWER From least to greatest

0.51 1120

35

, , 0.62,

3 2

GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 2

Order the numbers from least to greatest.

4. – 1 18

– 1 37

, , 1.1– , 1.43, –1 4 15

18

– 1 4,15

–1 37

– 1.43 , –1 , – 1.1 ,

ANSWER From least to greatest