MH 105: Logic and Set Theory

WRITTEN REPORT

Real Number System

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this module, challenge yourself to:

 Identify and classify numbers into their appropriate subsets of the real number
system.
 Appreciate the significance of the real number system in understanding
mathematics and its use in real-life contexts.
 Organize and arrange given numbers systematically into their appropriate
categories.
 Solve problems involving arithmetic operations by applying the properties of
real numbers.

LEARNING CONTENTS

The theory of the real number system is a branch of mathematics that provides a
formal foundation for the set of real numbers and their properties. The Real Number System
is a way to categorize numbers that we use every day for counting, measuring, and
calculating. It can be seen as a hierarchy of sets, starting with simpler numbers and building
toward the real numbers is essential for calculus, analysis, and other advanced
mathematical fields.

Hierarchy of Number Sets

 Natural Numbers ( N )
The smallest subset which contain all counting numbers startarting from 1.
N= { 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , … }
Use: Counting objects, such as "I have 3 apples."

 Whole Numbers ( W )
These are the natural numbers and zero (0).
W ={0 , 1 ,2 , 3 , 4 ,… }
Use: Includes zero for scenarios like “I have 0 apples.”

 Integers ( Z )
The set of whole numbers and their opposite negative numbers.
Z={−3 ,−2 ,−1 ,0 , 1 , 2, 3 }
Use: Represent situations with losses or debts, e.g., “I lost 3 points.”

 Rational Numbers( Q )
a
These are numbers that can be written as a fraction (where a and b are
b
integers, and b≠0), or as a decimal that either terminates or repeats.
Q= {−⅛ , 0.3333 , 0.75 ,¾ , 9 }

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MH 105: Logic and Set Theory
Use: Fractions and decimals in daily life, such as dividing a pizza
 Irrational Numbers
These cannot be expressed as fractions. They have non-repeating, non-
terminating decimals.
Examples : √ 3 ,− √ 5 , π ,e
Use: Used in precise measurements, like the circumference of a circle.

 Real Numbers ( R )
This is the set of all rational and irrational numbers. It’s essentially every
number that can be plotted on a number line.
Use: Measuring distances, temperatures, or any continuous quantity.

Elementary Properties of Real Numbers

The elementary properties of real numbers refer to fundamental rules and
characteristics that govern their behavior under basic mathematical operations.
These properties are foundational for understanding more advanced
mathematical concepts.

A. Field Properties
Field properties are the set of rules or axioms that define the structure
of a field in mathematics. A field is a collection of numbers (or elements)
where certain operations (like addition and multiplication) follow specific rules.
These properties ensure that the operations behave in a consistent,
predictable manner.
1. Commutative Property
Changing the order of addition or multiplication does not affect the result.

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MH 105: Logic and Set Theory
Addition: a+ b=b+a Example: 3+5=5+3=8
Multiplication: a • b=b• a Example: 7 • 4=4 • 7=28
2. Associative Property
Changing the grouping of numbers in addition or multiplication does not
affect the result.
Addition: ( a+ b ) +c=a+ ( b+ c )
Example: (2+3 ¿+ 4=2+ ( 3+4 )=9
Multiplication: ( a • b ) •c=a• ( b •c )
Example: (3 •2 ¿ •5=3•(2 •5)=30

3. Distributive Property
Multiplication distributes over addition.
Formula: a • ( b+c )= ( a •b )+(a • c)
Example: 2 • ( 3+ 4 ) =( 2• 3 ) + ( 2• 4 )=6+ 8=14

4. Identity Property
There are identity elements for addition and multiplication that do not
change the value of the original number.
Additive Identity: a+ 0=a (0 is the additive identity)
Example: 1000+0=1000
Multiplicative Identity: a •1=a (1 is the multiplicative identity)
Example: 5000 •1=5000

5. Inverse Property
Every real number has an additive inverse and a multiplicative inverse.
Additive Inverse: a+ (−a ) =0 Example: 6+ (−6 )=0
1 1
Multiplicative Inverse: a • =1(if a ≠ 0) Example: 4 • =1
a 4

 Imaginary Numbers
Imaginary numbers are defined as the square root of the negative
numbers where it does not have a definite value. It can be found in advanced
fields like electrical engineering (to model alternating currents), quantum
mechanics, and signal processing. It is mostly written in the form of real
numbers multiplied by the imaginary unit called “ i ”(which is also known as
“iota”), such as 5i , -2i, etc.

For example, consider the equation: x 2+ 1=0 . If we solve this for x, we

get: x 2=−1. But no real number squared equals -1 because squares of real
numbers are always positive or zero. This is where imaginary numbers come
in. Mathematicians defined a new number, i, where:i =−1. Now, the solution
2

to x 2+ 1=0 is x=i or x=−i .

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MH 105: Logic and Set Theory

The imaginary unit i is defined as i=√ −1 , and its powers follow a

repeating cycle. (a) i 1=i , (b) i 2=−1 , (c) i 3=−i , (d) i 4 =1 . After i 4 , the pattern
repeats: i , −1 , −i , 1
Formula for the Pattern:
To find i n , use n mod 4.
n
n mod 4=0 :i =1
n
n mod 4=1:i =i
n
n mod 4=2:i =−1
n
n mod 4=3: i =−i

Example: Find i 17
17 mod 4 = 1, so i 17= i .

 Complex Numbers ( C )
Complex numbers are the
combination of both real numbers and
imaginary numbers. The complex
number is of the standard form a+ bi ,
where a and b are real numbers and i is
an imaginary unit. Their use extends to
different scientific branches, ranging
from mathematics to engineering.
Complex numbers can also represent
electromagnetic waves and electric
currents, so they are essential in the
field of electronics and
telecommunications. By expanding the real number system to include
imaginary numbers, we can solve equations and model systems that are
otherwise impossible to handle.

Operations with Complex Numbers

 Addition
( a+ bi )+ ( c+ di )=( a+ c )+ i(b+d )
 Subtraction
( a+ bi )−( c +di )= ( a−c ) +i(b−d )
 Multiplication
( a+ bi )( c +di ) =( a+bi ) c + ( a+ bi ) di=ac+ bci+ adi+ bdi2=( ac−bd ) +i(bc +ad )
 Division
Monomial:

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MH 105: Logic and Set Theory
a a i ai
→ • = 2
bi bi i b i
Binomial:
( a+bi ) ( a+bi ) c−di ( ac+ bd )+i(bc−ad )
= • =
( c +di ) ( c +di ) c−di c 2 +d 2

QUIZ
−3
1. What type of number is ?
4
a. Rational
b. Irrational
c. Integer
d. Natural
2. What property is shown by 3 + 4 = 4 + 3?
a. Commutative Property
b. Associative Property
c. Identity Property
d. Distributive Property
3. What is the additive identity in the set of real numbers?
a. 1
b. 0
c. -1
d. None of the above
4. The decimal 0.333…is:
a. Rational
b. Irrational
c. Integer
d. Whole number
5. The set of integers includes both negative and positive whole numbers.
a. True b. False
6. The distributive property states a(b + c) = ab + ac.
a. True b. False
7. State the multiplicative inverse of 7.
1
Answer:
7
8. Write an example of an irrational number.
9. Simplify √ −16
Answer: 2i and −2 i
10. Find i 22
Answer: 22 mod 4 =2 ; i 22=−1

References

https://byjus.com/maths/real-numbers/
https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/4201611/are-all-real-and-imaginary-numbers-complex-
numbers

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MH 105: Logic and Set Theory
https://thirdspacelearning.com/us/math-resources/topic-guides/number-and-quantity/number-sets/
https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analysis/Introduction_to_Real_Analysis_(Trench)/
01%3A_The_Real_Numbers/1.00%3A_The_Real_Number_System
Warner, S. (2019, pp. 50–51). Pure Mathematics for Beginners – Solution Guide.
https://byjus.com/maths/imaginary-numbers/

Prepared by:
Danielle Mae D. Mondares
Judilyn Botor

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