Step-by-step explanation: -1 is a integer and -1/2 is a fraction so if your question is "Is negative 1 greater than -1/2?" than your answer will be no because -1/2 is a fraction and -1 is a integer. They don't equal.
Work backwards. If there were 14 at the end, then multiply this by 3/2 because 2/3 of the marbles were given to Sam. so 14 times 3/2 is 21. There were 28 total because if you add 1/3 to 1/6 you get 1/2. So they they lost 1/2 of the marbles and got 1/4 of the original amount back, which was 21. So the original number was 28. Hope this helps!
A benchmark is a halfway point between two set points. Typically, the best way to find a benchmark is to make a number line with both of the points that you need to find the benchmark between, then you basically just find the halfway mark.
I hope this helps. If you need a further explanation let me know :)
