Number Sets and the Structure of

1.1 Algebra

1. Understand the structure of algebra.

2. Classify number sets.
3. Graph rational numbers on a number line.
4. Determine the absolute value of a number.
5. Compare numbers.
Definitions

Variable A symbol that can vary in value.

Constant A symbol that does not vary in

value.
Expression A mathematical relationship that
does not contain an equal sign

Equation A mathematical relationship that

contains an equal sign.
Inequality A mathematical relationship that
contains an inequality symbol (,
<, >, , or ).
Absolute Value A given number’s distance from 0
on a number line. Notation = | |.
Fractions Radicals
Set A collection of objects.
Set Notation { }
Natural Counting numbers {1,2,3, …}
numbers
Whole Natural numbers and 0.
Numbers {0,1,2,3, …}
Integers Positive and negative natural numbers
and zero. {… -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …}
Rational A real number that can be expressed
Number as a ratio of integers (fraction)
Irrational Any real number that is not rational.
Number  2 , 
Real Numbers All numbers associated with
the number line.
 |3|= 3 Absolute Value

| 2.5 | = 2.5
|0|= 0
|-7 |= 7
| - 4.8 | = 4.8

True or False? >0

The absolute value of a number is always positive.
False

The absolute value of a number is either positive or 0.

≥0
The absolute value of every real number is non-negative.
 To which set(s) of numbers does 6
belong?

a) Natural Numbers
b) Whole numbers
c) Integers
d) Rational numbers
e) Irrational numbers
f) Real numbers

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 7

 To which set of numbers does 6
belong?

a) Natural Numbers
b) Whole numbers
c) Integers
d) Rational numbers
e) Irrational numbers
f) Real numbers

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 8

Simplify |7|.

a) 7

b) 7

c) 0

d) 1/7

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 9

Simplify |7|.

a) 7

b) 7

c) 0

d) 1/7

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 10

Which statement is false?

a) 7 > 4

b) 2.4 > 1.4

c) 10 < 22

d) 3.6 > 6.4

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 11

Which statement is false?

a) 7 > 4

b) 2.4 > 1.4

c) 10 < 22

d) 3.6 > 6.4

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1- 12