Place the following numbers in order, starting with the smallest: $$\frac{3}{2} \, \quad 1 - 4 \, \quad \sqrt{2}$$ Which one of the following is not a rational number? Explain your answer - Junior Cycle Mathematics - Question a - 2014

To order the numbers, we will first convert them to their decimal forms:

1. Calculate $1 - 4$: $1 - 4 = -3$

2. Calculate $\sqrt{2}$: $\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414$

3. Calculate $\frac{3}{2}$: $\frac{3}{2} = 1.5$

Now, we can list the numbers in ascending order:

• $1 - 4 = -3$
• $\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414$
• $\frac{3}{2} = 1.5$

Thus, the order starting with the smallest is:

$1 - 4, \sqrt{2}, \frac{3}{2}$