$\text{Find three distinct rational numbers that lie strictly between }-\frac{1}{2}\text{ and }\frac{1}{4}.\text{ \lbrack Page No. 52\rbrack}$

Common denominator: make both fractions have denominator 4.

$$\frac{-1}{2} = \frac{-2}{4} \text{ and } \frac{1}{4}.$$

Rational numbers between $\frac{-2}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ include:

$$\frac{-1}{4}, 0, \frac{1}{8}, \text{etc.}$$

Three choices: $\frac{-1}{4}, 0, \frac{1}{8}$.