1

(1) RATIONAL NUMBERS

NEED FOR RATIONAL NUMBERS
You have already studied
about natural numbers
(0, 1, 2, 3, .... Whole numbers are or
counting numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) and whole numbers
search for a number really useful but they have certain limitations as
system to overcome
the limitations of whole numbers led explained beloW. The
to rational numbers.
Closure Property
In any number system if
subtraction, multiplication application
of any of the four
fundamental operations
numbers results in a number of(namely,
and
division) on any two addition,
system, then the number system is said to be the same number
closed for that
be satisfied. operation or the closure property is said to
You also know that addition or
whole numbers gives a sum or multiplication of two
number. Hence, the closure productis
that is also a whole Remember
whole numbers for additionproperty
said to be true for Addition, subtraction, multiplication and
and
also say that whole numbers are multiplication. You can division are called four
fundamental
closed for addition and operations in mathematics.
multiplication.
Limitation of Whole Numbers
When you subtract two whole
numbers, the result need not always be a
subtraction of two whole numbers 9 and 17, as whole number. For
example, the
shown below, gives-8 as result which is not a whole number.
9 17 = -8
As whole numbers are not
closed under subtraction, this
created the need for a more
system. Then integers were thought of as a new and more extensive number
limitations of whole numbers. extensive number
Integers, as
you know, consist
system to overcome the
numbers of all whole numbers and also
like -1,
-2, -3, -4, negative
When you subtract two
integers, the result is always an integer. Therefore, the number
satisfies the closure system of integers
property for subtraction.
Limitation of Integers
The number of
system integers too has a limitation, it does not satisfy the closure
When you divide two property for division.
integers, the result or quotient need not always be an
integer.
For example,
-5 25 =-, 1 which is not an
integer
Therefore, integers are closed for addition, subtraction and
again created the need for a much multiplication but not closed for division. This
more extensive number system. Then rational
of as a number system that would numbers were thought
overcome the limitations of
integers.
ALL ABOUT RATIONAL NUMBERS
A rational number is defined as a number which can be written in the form P
integers and4 0 where p and q are
what about the relationship between an integer and a rational number? Is
every intever a r a i .
The answer is yes, because every integer can be written in the form of onal number?
25 where q= 1.For
5
13 -17 0-and soon. example,
Positive and Negative Rational Numbers

In the rational number , p is called the numerator and q the denominator.

lf the numerator and the denominator have the same sign, the rational
number is said to be
they have different signs, the rational number is said to be positive t
I
positive and negative rational numbers.
negative. Observe the following examnla
m es of
6 11 -5 -3
Positive rational
numbers: 720'9'5
20
Remember
Negative rational numbers: 6 For any rational number,
can never be 0.

Simplification of Rational Numbers

We can
simplity rational numbers using any one of the following properties of rational numbers:
i. Px m
Forany rational numberwe have 9 where m and q are integers not equal to zero.

ii. For any rational

numberwe have= + m'
where q and m are any integers not equal to zero.

NOTE
From the above two
properties we infer that if both numerator and denominator of a rational number
are divided or
multiplied by the same non-zero integer, the value of the rational number doesn't
change.
Lowest Form of a Rational Number
A rational
number, is said to be in the lowest
simplest form if p and q have no common factors other
or

than 1. For 7 5
example, rational numbers andare in the lowest form but and 15
form. are not in the lowest
To reduce rational numberto its lowest form,
a
you have to divide its numerator p and
by the HCF of p andq. denominator 9
75 75 25
For exampie, 100
100 25 4
3
Thus, is the lowest form 75
of the rational number
100
Standard Form of a Rational Number
A rational number is said to be in the standard
form if it is in the lowest form and its denominator is positive.
For example, therational numbers,,-4
16 9 5
are in standard form. But the rational
4 12-8

are not in standard form. numbers 16' 12

(2 ICSE Mathematics8
Absolute Value of Rational Numbers
The absolute value of a rational number is its numerical value without taking into consideration its sigTn,
i.e., the magnitude of the rational number.

Theabsolute value ofand is the same and is written as

For example, the absolute value of the rational numbers are given as

Remember
Equivalent Rational Numbers If two rational numbers are
have the same
Two rational numbersand are said to be equal ifand only if equivalent, they
standard form.
PxS=r xq
Rewrite both
There is another easier method to find out whether the two rational numbers are equal.
the rational numbers in their standard form. If they have the same standard form, they are equal,

otherwise, they are not equal.

ExAMPLE 1: Expressas a rational number with numerator

a. -15 b. 36
3
both the numerator and denominator of by -5.
SoLUTION: a. As 3 x-5 =-15, you need to multiply
3515
4x-5-20

b. As 3 x 12 36, you need to multiply both the numerator and denominator of by 12.
3 x 12 36
4x 12 48

42 way that its numerator becomes

ExAMPLE 2: Rewritein such a
98
a. -72 b. 3
42
equivalent to rational number and whose
SoLUTION: a. We need to find a rational number that is 98
numerator is - 72.

We need to find x such that

42-72
98
Cross-multiplying, we get
X=72x 98 - 12 x 14 = -168
42x=- 72 x 98

rational number is
-72
Iherefore, the required

Rational Numbers
(3)
 For example, multiplying the two rational numbers 5
and
8 ,9 we get
35

Division of Rational Numbers

Dividing a rational number-by another
rational number is the
same as
of. The
reciprocal of is multiplying by the re
that is obtained by
interchanging the numeratoror and eciprocal
Theretore, dividing by, we get denominator of
(NOTE
For any rational number
For
example, dividing the rational number reciprocal, where p+ 0, q *0. is called its

by
another rational number 25
12
we
get Common Error
-
15 25 -15 Incorrect
42 Correct
2842 28 25 10
ExAMPLE 6: Simplify 3 79 3
a. -21
9 11 18
9 29 b. 17
SoLUTION: a. Since the
given rational numbers have the same
denominator.
18-21+11+
+11+18-21+29 8
29 29
29 29
b. 17
b.12 24 24
Here the denominators are not same. But
by 2 makes the denominators of multiplying
number the numerator and
both the
denominator of the first rational
rational numbers same.
7x2,17.-1417-14+17
12x 2 24 24 24
31 24 24 8
ExAMPLE 7: Simplify

a. 64 48
49 24 b.117 65
SoLUTION: a. O
48
b. Since
dividing by 65 is the same as multiplying by its
reciprocal, therefore
64 48 64 65 20
117 65 117 48 27

6 ICSE Mathematics 8
 1. Fill in
-11
the blanks with
<,>or =
Exercise 1.1
a. 13
l6
-16 b.b. 13x
9 36
2 Rewrite the 52 C. 5 -9
following ascending order.
in 8 14
-13
-8
a. -7 -13 11 15
-12 16 18-24
3. -19 8
Rewrite
a. 7 11
the
1
following
15
14
in
descending order. b.5575 10' 15
8
12-16' 4' -15
4.
Simplify the b.-3, 17 -11 -13
following: '-6' 12 9
a.
13 13 b.
C.
7 25 2
d.
12 36 e f
f. . - 5 7 13
5.
Simplify following:
the 16 24 48

a. - 8 1
9 88 b.
-49
C.
49 36
d.
9 56 35 e.
f.
6. Write True or False 14
against each of the
following statements.
a. All whole numbers are
rational numbers.- b. All rational numbers are integers. F
C. The rational number is in standard form. d. Integers satisfy the closure
property for
7. Fill in the boxes. subtraction.-7
-165 248
a.
b.
187 -34 -280 105
275 -10 -192 9
C. d. 256
-330

PROPERTIES OF RATIONAL NUMBERS

Closure Property
1. Addition: When two rational numbers are added, their sum is always a rational number.
For example,

449 which is also a rational number.

65 30 addition. It means
for any two rational numbers a andb,
rational numbers are closed under
Therefore,
a+b is also a rational number.

Rational Numbers
2 Subtraction: When two rational numbers are subtracted, their fference is
always a
For example, rational number.
- , which is also a rational number.
2
Therefore, rational numbers areclosed under subtraction. It means for any two
a and b, a -bis also a rational number. rational na.

3. Multiplication: When two rational numbers are multiplied, their

For example, product is always a rational ni
oer.

which is also a rational number.

Therefore, rational numbers closed under
and b, axbis also
are
multiplication. It means for any two rational numbers
a ers
a
rational number.
4. Division: As for any rational number a, a * 0 is not
defined, therefore not all rational
closed under division. You can say that numbers are
except zero, all rational numbers are closed under
division.
For example,

2which
which is also a rational number.

Commutative Property
1. Addition: Addition is commutative for rational numbers. In
general, for any two rational numbers
and b,
a+b =b +a
The following examples prove the commutativity of addition for rational numbers.

and Remembeer
Rational numbers are closed for addition,
76 17 subtraction and multiplication. Division is
and
11 10 110 10 11 110 closed for all rational numbers except zero.

2. Multiplication: Multiplication is also commutative for rational numbers. In general, for any two rational
numbersa and b,
a xb= b z a

The following examples prove the commutativity of multiplication for rational numbers.

10
and
63

and
11 555
3. Subtraction: Subtraction is not commutative for rational numbers. In general, for any two rational
numbers a and b,
a- b b - a
Look at the following example showing that subtraction of rational numbers is not commutative.

but

ICSE Mathermatics 8
 4. Division: DivISIOn 1s not commutative for rational numbers. In general, for any two rational numbers

dbb ta
Look at the
tollowng example showing tlhat division of rational numbers is not commutative.
8
but
11 5 11 5 110
Associative P'roperty
1. Addition: For any three rational numbers, say, 35
,and you have to veriry r
4'8

LHS- 3118-1_17
24 24 24

RHS=
24
LHS RHS
Hence, proved.
As you have seen from the above example, addition is associative for rational numbers. In general, for

any three rational numbers a, b and c,

a+ (b + c) = (a + b) + c
85
2. Multiplication: For any three rational numbers, say,11 a n d y o u have to verify if

35 2800
LHS=
297
280
RHS 4
99
297
LHS= RHS
Hence, proved.
for rational numbers.
Therefore, multiplication is associative
numbers a, b and c,
In general, for any three rational
ax (b x c) = (a x b) xc
3 5 2
numbers, say, and , you have to verify if
3. Subtraction: For any three rational

)
LHS 6

RHS

LHS RHS
general, tor any three rational numbers
for rational numbers. In
therefore, subtraction is not associative

a, b and c,

d-(b- c) z
(4 - b) -
c

9
Rational Numbers
 3 2 4
4. Division: For any three rational numbers, Say,
5'7 you have to verify if

RIIS - 189
40
LHS RHS
Therefore, division is not associative for rational numbers. In
numbers a, b andc, general, for any three
ee rational
a +
(b* c) (a b) *c
* +

Distributive Property
For any three rational 4 4 6
numbers, say, = and you have to
verify if

LHS=

1624 80 +72152
75
LHS = RHS

Therefore, multiplication is distributive over addition for rational numbers.

rational numbers In general, for any three
a, b and c,
a x
(b+ c) =
(a x
b) +
(ax c)
(i)
Similarly, you carn
prove that multiplication is distributive over subtraction for rational numbers, that is,
ax (b- c) =(a x
b) -

(a x
c)
It may be noted that in
.
.(1)
equation (i) if a and b are
positive and c is negative, then equation (i) becomes
equation (ii).
Additive Identity
Consider the following:

+0 0+ 9 250 0- 2
As is clear from the above
examples, when 0 is added to any rational number, it leaves the rational number
unaltered. Therefore, zero (0) is called the identity for addition or additive identity of rational numbers.
In general, for any rational number a,
a +0 = 0 +a = a

Additive Inverse
For every rational number a, there is a rational number -a, such that
a+(-a) = - a +a = 0

(10 ICSE Mathematics8

or E.E=0,where a = NOTE
Since 0+0 = 0, the additive inverse

Here is termed as the additive inverse of. Alsois the of zero is zero itself.

additive inverse of
4
Look the
Common Error
at following examples of additive inverse. Correct
Incorrect

-0:-5.15.-15-15 16 = 0 The additive inverse The additive inverse

ofis ofis 3 because

Multiplicative Identity the sum of a rational

Consider the following expressions. numberanditsadditive
inverse must be zero.

When 1 is multiplied with any rational number, it leaves the rational number unaltered. One (1) is called
the identity of multiplication or multiplicative identity of rational numbers. In general, for any rational
number a,
ax1=1 xa =a

Multiplicative Inverse Common Error

For a given rational number, if there exists another Incorrect Correct

such thatx = 1 ,then - is called Multiplicative Multiplicative inverse of

rational number- +9
inverse
+9
of is is +9
because the product
the multiplicative inverse or reciprocal of
of a rational number and its
of thenis the reciprocal of
In multiplicative inverse must
the reciprocal
be +1.
both inverses or reciprocals ot
other words, they are

each other.

NOTE their reciprocals.

1. Since -1 x -1 = +1 and +1 x +1 =
+1, -1 and +1 are own

1 the product. Hence zero has

2. There is no rational number which when multiplied by gives 0 as

or multiplicative inverse.
no reciprocal

Here are two examples of multiplicative

inverse. Remember
-1 and +1 are their own reciprocals.
151117 12 Zero has no reciprocal.

inverse of
ExAMPLE 8: Give the additive

15 b. 3
a9
SOLUTION: a. ofis
The additive inverse
29
, since = 0

-17
isince
b. The additive inverse o t3 ce =0
Rational Numbers 11
ExAMPLE 9; Give the multiplicative inverse of
29 -9
b. 17 C. 15
d.
35
SoLUTION: a. The multiplicative inverse of E is 0
29
-9 -17 -9
b. The multiplicative inverse of isa since 17 1
1
c. The multiplicative inverse of 15 is
7 12 3
3. 10
d. g
35
35 The multiplicative inverse of is
d.

Use of Properties for

Simplification
Solution of problems involving rational numbers is obtained by using
following example that has been solved in normal way and also
properties. Take a look at the
he
by simplification using properties.
Evaluate: * 12*6 9
1.
Simplifying in normal way 2.
Simplifying using properties
1 0 5 * 105+160 265

As vou have observed, the second method

216 216 -
is easier and faster.

ExAMPLE 10: X

IIL- Exercise 1.2

1. Which of the following pairs are not additive inverses of each other?
-11
11 b.7 17
a. 15 15
b.21 21
2. Which among the
following pairs are reciprocals?
a. -17 -13 27 1 9
17 -12 b.27 13 C.91 d
3. The
multiplicative inverse of -

is
Name the
property under multiplication used in each of the following:
a.

12
23 12 1 d. 1-117 17
12 ICSE Mathematics 8
 5. Simplify the following:
7 13 3-1513
a
d 12 15 D8 912
6. Solve.
1 -5-5-3 11-1-3
a.
8 12 16 D12 3 4 215
35 -15 9
d. -25 35
-25
^

-18 15 16 10 10 14 8

REPRESENTATION OF RATIONAL NUMBERS ON THE NUMBER LINE

Let us see how different groups of numbers are represented on the number line.

1. Natural numbers are represented on the number line as follows:

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3 4 5 6

As you see in the above number line, there are no other natural numbers between any two consecutive

numbers.
2. Integers are represented on the number line as followS:

-3 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
4

Here also, there are no other integers between any two consecutive integers.

3. In the number line of rational numbers, there are other rational numbers between two points as shown
below.
0 2 22 3

In the above number line, the point, is exactly halfway between

0 and 1, 1, is halfway between 1 and 2,

and 3 and so on.

2, is halfway between 2 be further
between two consecutive rational numbers can
In case of rational numbers, the distance
divided into more parts as shown below.

the number line.

ExAMPLE 11: Represent 1 on

SoLUTION:

2 3

distance between 1 and 2 is divided into

three equal parts. The first part
Since 11lies between 1 and 2, the
is represented by 1 and the second by 1,

Rational Numbers (13

Now, vou can label equally spaced pOints on the number line as shown hel s.
ow.
0

10 11
3 3 3
1
Similarh to
epnsentpart, one unit on the number
line is divided into eight equal parts as shown below.
Remember
The number of
parts into which
the portion between we
the
the divid
integers is equa
denominator of the given rational to
number
nber.
On the above 2
number line, the tirst point is, the second 3
can be represented on the number line in this manner.
the thirdand
8 so on. Any rational
number
In rational number, the denominator indicates into
a
how many
been divided and the numerator tells how equal parts a unit of the number line
of h.
many these parts have been taken into nas
Take a look at the
following number line of rational numbers. consideration.

As shown in the above number

line, rational number = mearns three
-4
parts out ot five
equal parts to the
right of point zero. Similarly, rational number means four
zero (one unit is divided
into 5 5 parts out of five
equal parts to the left of
equal parts).
5
ExAMPLE 12: Represent and
on the number line.
SoLUTION:

In the above number line, each unit has been divided into eleven
equal parts. Here, rational number :
means five parts out of eleven equal parts to the
right of zero and means seven
parts out of eleven
equal parts to the left of zero. (One unit is divided into 11 equal parts.)
RATIONAL NUMBERS BETWEEN TWO RATIONAL
NUMBERSs
Between any two
integers, there are countable numbers, and sometimes, there are no numbers at all. For
example, between 12 and 20 there are seven integers (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), and between 99 and I0u
there are no
integers. Between 100 and 1000 there are 899 numbers.
However, you cannot observe this limitation in rational numbers.
In fact, between any two rational numbers.
vou can find countless rational numbers. Check this fact
yourself through
the following example.
1
How many rational numbers there between
are
=and
You may say there are only two -

14 ICSE Mathematics 8
 But if you rewrite
6 7 8 9 19
5
as
andasthen1 would
4
have 525 25' 25
you
25
rational numbers and all of them lie between and

100 4 400
Now it you write as and = as= you would have a new set of rational numbers occurring between

4 101 102 103 397 398 399

and.These are
500 500 500 500 500 500
10000 4 40000 rational
Continuing the above procedure, if you write a s and as you would have more

50000 50000
1 4
10001 10002 10003 39997 39998 39999 All these numbers are between and
numbers like .

50000 50000 50000 50000 50000 50000

And, you can go on endlessly finding new sets of rational numbers between and

selected rational
The above method of finding rational numbers can be applied to any two randomly
rational numbers.
numbers. Therefore, it follows that there are countless rational numbers between any two

Finding Rational Numbers between Two Rational Numbers

rational numbers.
There are two methods of finding rational numbers between any three
described above. Using this
Method 1. In this method, you will have to follow the same procedure as

method, let us find five rational numbers between -2 and -1.

-20 -10
First, you need to rewrite -1
and -2 as 2 1 a n d -1=10

-20
between1and as -10
Now, you can write 9 rational numbers occurring 10 10

-14 -13-12 -11

-19 -18 -17 -16 -15

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
these numbers as the required
you can write any five out of
As an a n s w e r to the given question,
rational numbers.
method. In this method, first we find the mean
called the arithmetic mean
Method 2. This method is also values of either the new and original
then we go on finding more mean
of the two given rational numbers,
o r a combination
of the two mean values.
rational number
rational numbers are a and b. You will find rational
numbers q, q av q 4 . .

Suppose the two given

between a and b as followS:

1 i s the mean of a and b)

91 a+ b)
1
1
(7, +b) =z 4 *4,)
and 4, 4, *93)
(a 4,) and g,
=

rational
rational numbers between the
get required number of
can the
Continuing this procedure, you that is based on this method.
numbers a and b. Observe the following example

Rational Numbers 15
 Method 3. If and are two rational numbers, then
b d b+d
lies between
E
For and
rational number between
and.
4
We add the two numbers and
the two
denominatore
d example, to finda
between them. i

get anumber,
1+3
4+4

ExAMPLE 13: Find four rational numbers between I and 2

by the method of arithmetic mean
SoLUTION:4,-0+2)==1
àn.

2- -
and 1 lies between 1 and 2.

ExAMPLE 14: Find ten rational

numbers
4
between- and
SoLUTION: LCM of denominators 4 5
of = and=30
Writing the given rational numbers with 30 as
4x6 24 5x5 25 denominator, we get
5 x6 30' 6 x5 30
Writing equivalent rational numbers of
24
and
25
a0 we get
24 48 480 25 50 500
30 60 600
30 60 600
The ten
required rational numbers between
and are
481 482 483 484 485 5 6
486 487 488 489 490
600' 600' 600' 600'
600' 600' 600' 600' 600'
600
EXAMPLE 15: Find three
rational numbers
between and
12
SOLUTION: + 2 0 5
8+12
a r e the required numbers.

Between and we get 1

8 Between
8+2 10 5 and
we get12 14 7

. Write the exact rational number for

Exercise 1.3
each point labelled with a
lines. letter in each of the
following number
a. 0
B 1 C D

16 ICSE Mathematics 8
 b.
-1

C D E 1 F
c.

1 G
d.

2. Represent the following rational numbers on the number line

4 1
a.
5
b. - C. d. 3
3
3. Represent the following on the number line.
-3 1 7 -5-3 5 7 11
a. 44' 4
D.8'8 '8'8 8
4. Find five rational numbers between -1 and +l using the method of arithmetic mean.

5. Find any five rational numbers between 2 and 3.

6. Find any three rational numbers between

2 3
C.and 2 d. -3 and
a and b.and 5

WORD PROBLEM

ExAMPLE 16: What should beadded to 10 toget 20

SoLUTION: Let the required number be x.
-7 +X= 13
16 20
52 +35 87
13 13 7 (13x4) (7x5)
Or, 80 80 80
20 16 20 16
7 13
added too to get 20
Thus, 1 on has to be 16
80
-14 and
product of
ExAMPLE 17: Dividethe sum of 15 andby the
-14 7 42+35
SoLUTIoN: The sum of 14 and
15
15 9 45 45

-6 5 -6 ..(1)
and 22
The product of 11 12 11 12

Dividing () by (i),
we get
-22 154
7 -5
7 225
45 22 45
Rational Numbers
17
 ExAMPLE 18: The 15
product of two rational numbers is. If one of them is-16 tind the
ther numbe
SotUTON: Let the second rational number be x.
-15 5 5
Then -15x 16
6 6

-8
9
6x5
-8
Theretore, the second number is

Exercise 1.4
1. The -8
product of two rational numbers is. If one of them is 10
find the
2. 2 4
other number.
Divide the sum of and , by their difference.
3. What must be -9
subtracted fromto get ?11
4. Divide the 5 -8.
product of 7and
sum of and 3
by the
5. The sum of two rational numbers
8
3
is lf one of them
is 16
z, find the other number.

REVISION EXERCISE
1. Find the rational number which when
2. Simplify: multiplied by 4 gives the reciprocal of 4.

b.
5 10 8
3.
Representandon the number line.
8

4. Divide the sum

ofand the difference of -5
and
5. Find five
rational numbers between -5
and
6
6. Use properties to evaluate the following:
9

16
d.. Z,3
19 33 19 22
19 ICSE Mathematics 8
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
Fill in the blanks.

1. A rational number can be expressed as a terminating decimal if its denominator has factors

2. The product ot and is

14
3. The sum ot and is equal to

4. The number of rational numbers between -1 and +1 is

0
5. The multiplicative inverse of is

6. Value of - +

7. The additive inverse of - is ,

8. The product of a rational number and its multiplicative inverse is.
9. The product of two rational numbers is 15. If one of them is -10, the other is
-11
10. Between which two integers does lie?
11. All positive rational numbers less than 1 are. fractions.
12. The only rational number which does not have a reciprocal is.

A rich nobleman had 17 elephants and wanted to divide these among his 3 sons in such a way that

the first got1a share, the second got of a share and the last one got of a share. How could he
possibly do it?

Let us understand this. His friend was poor but a clever man. He had one elephant. He solved this
by adding his elephant to the group of 17. Now there were 18 elephants.

The first son got 18= 9 elephants

The second son got 18 6 elephants

The third son got x18= 2 elephants

Total 17 elephants
18th elephant and walked off.
Then he picked up his own

9+6+2_17
Note that, . , 18 18

Rational Numbers 19