Rational Numbers - Important Notes & Formulas
1. Introduction to Rational Numbers
Definition: A rational number is any number that can be expressed in the form p/q, where p
and q are integers, and q ≠ 0.
Examples: 4/5, -3/7, 0.25 (= 1/4)
Special Cases:
- Every integer is a rational number, e.g., -5 = -5/1.
- 0 is a rational number, since 0 = 0/n for any non-zero integer n.
- Fractions and terminating/repeating decimals are rational numbers.
2. Types of Rational Numbers
- Positive Rational Numbers: Both numerator and denominator are positive, e.g., 5/7.
- Negative Rational Numbers: Either numerator or denominator is negative, e.g., -3/8 or 3/-
8.
3. Equivalent Rational Numbers
Rational numbers that represent the same value but look different, e.g., -2/3 = -4/6 = 6/-9.
Rule: Multiply or divide numerator and denominator by the same non-zero integer to get an
equivalent rational number.
4. Standard Form of a Rational Number
A rational number is in standard form if:
1. The denominator is positive.
2. The numerator and denominator have no common factor other than 1.
5. Properties of Rational Numbers
5.1 Closure Property
For any two rational numbers a and b, their sum, difference, product, and quotient (except
division by zero) are also rational numbers.
Example: 2/3 + 4/5 = 22/15 (Rational), 5/7 × 3/4 = 15/28 (Rational)
5.2 Commutative Property
For any two rational numbers a and b:
Addition: a + b = b + a
Multiplication: a × b = b × a
Example: 3/5 + 2/7 = 2/7 + 3/5, 4/9 × 3/2 = 3/2 × 4/9
5.3 Associative Property
For any three rational numbers a, b, and c:
Addition: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
Multiplication: (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)
Example: (1/2 + 1/3) + 1/4 = 1/2 + (1/3 + 1/4)
5.4 Distributive Property
For any three rational numbers a, b, and c:
a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c
Example: 2/5 × (3/7 + 4/9) = (2/5 × 3/7) + (2/5 × 4/9)
5.5 Identity Elements
For any rational number a:
- Additive Identity: a + 0 = a (0 is the additive identity)
- Multiplicative Identity: a × 1 = a (1 is the multiplicative identity)
5.6 Inverse Properties
- Additive Inverse: For every rational number a/b, its additive inverse is -a/b.
- Multiplicative Inverse: For every rational number a/b (except 0), its multiplicative inverse
is b/a.
6. Comparing Rational Numbers
Steps to Compare Two Rational Numbers:
1. Convert them to same denominator using LCM.
2. Compare numerators directly.
3. If the numbers are negative, reverse the inequality sign.
7. Operations on Rational Numbers
(A) Addition of Rational Numbers
Formula: a/b + c/b = (a+c)/b
For different denominators, find LCM first.
(B) Subtraction of Rational Numbers
Formula: a/b - c/b = (a-c)/b
(C) Multiplication of Rational Numbers
Formula: (a/b) × (c/d) = (a×c) / (b×d)
(D) Division of Rational Numbers
Formula: (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c)
8. Finding Rational Numbers Between Two Numbers
Between any two rational numbers, infinite rational numbers exist.
Method: Convert to Like Denominators and find numbers between them.
Summary of Key Formulas
Operation Formula
Addition a/b + c/b = (a+c)/b
Subtraction a/b - c/b = (a-c)/b
Multiplication (a/b) × (c/d) = (a×c) / (b×d)
Division (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c)
Commutative Property a + b = b + a, a × b = b × a
Associative Property (a + b) + c = a + (b + c), (a × b) × c = a × (b ×
c)
Distributive Property a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c
