eee Rational and irrational numbers A rational number is one which can be expressed in the form# where p and q are integers. Rational ‘numbers include $, 0.3, 7, V9, N64, etc. Irrational numbers include ‘2, co 220, n, n2, ete. Irrational numbers involving square roots are also called surds. Surds can be multiplied and divided according to the following rules. Vaxavexs | Ba Nb 6 eg. VEX V3 = 3x3 = 9 V2x V8 = 2x8 = Vi6=4 Nas _ 48 We= 27 4? Similarly V50 = V25 x2 = ¥25 x V2 = 5x ¥2 = 5V2 As it is usual to write 5 x V2 as 512, Also V5 + Va5 = V5 + V9x5 = V5 + NGS = a5 Recurring decimals Recurring decimals are rational numbers as they can all be expressed as fraction: pand q are integers. 23 the form # where i) e.g. 0.166 666 666... 0.142857 142857... 0.27272727... written 0.18 = 4 written 0.142857 = + written 0.27 = % e.g, Change 0.8 to a fraction. 10 x 0.8 = 8.888 8888... Multiplying both sides by 10. and 1 x 0.8 = 0.888 8888... Then subtracting 9x08 =8 8.888888... - 0.888888... and 08 Dividing both sides by 9. e.g, Convert 14.33 to a mixed number. 1423.232323... Multiplying both sides by 100. 14,232323... Then subtracting ... 99x 14.33 = 1409 1423.232323... = 14,332 323 and 14. Dividing both sides by 99. Asa mixed number. NB You could also write 14.33 as 14 + 0.23 and convert 0,23 to a fraction before rewriting as a mixed number.