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# Understanding Rational Numbers

## Definition:

- **Rational Numbers** are numbers that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction \(\frac{a}{b}\), where
\(a\) and \(b\) are integers and \(b \neq 0\).

## Notation:

- Rational numbers are often denoted by the symbol \(\mathbb{Q}\).

- The set of rational numbers includes integers, fractions, and decimals that either terminate or repeat.

\[ \mathbb{Q} = \left\{ \frac{a}{b} \mid a, b \in \mathbb{Z}, b \neq 0 \right\} \]

## Properties:

### 1. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers:

- **Addition and Subtraction Rule:** To add or subtract rational numbers, find a common denominator,
perform the operation, and simplify the result.

\[ \frac{a}{b} \pm \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad \pm bc}{bd} \]

### 2. Multiplication of Rational Numbers:

- **Multiplication Rule:** Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Simplify the result.

\[ \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ac}{bd} \]

### 3. Division of Rational Numbers:

- **Division Rule:** To divide by a rational number, multiply by its reciprocal.

\[ \frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{d}{c} \]

### 4. Order of Operations:

- Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) when working with rational numbers.

## Examples:

- \( \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{4} \)

- \( \frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{5}{7} = \frac{10}{21} \)
- \( \frac{8}{9} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{9} \)

## Real-world Applications:

- **Recipes:** Using fractions in cooking to adjust ingredient quantities.

- **Financial Calculations:** Calculating interest rates, discounts, and percentages.
- **Measurement Conversions:** Converting units involving fractions or decimals.

Understanding rational numbers is essential for various mathematical operations and has practical applications
in everyday life.