Quantitative Reasoning Notes Lecture 1
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AHDULLAHQuantitative Reasoning Notes Lecture 1
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AHDULLAHDetailed Math Notes: From Numbers to Algebra
1. Numbers (Basic Concepts)
a) Integers (Z)
Definition: All positive and negative whole numbers, including zero. They have no fractional or
decimal part.
Symbol: Z (from the German word Zahlen, meaning numbers) Set Notation: Z = { …, -3, -2, -1,
0, 1, 2, 3, … }.
Example: The temperature is -5°C. A profit of Rs. 500. A debt of Rs. 200.
b) Prime Numbers
Definition: A number greater than 1 that is only divisible by 1 and itself. They are the "building
blocks" of all numbers.
Note: 2 is the smallest and the only even prime number.
Example: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13…
Non-Example: 4 (divisible by 1, 2, 4), 9 (divisible by 1, 3, 9), 1 (not prime).
c) Rational Numbers (Q)
Definition: Any number that can be expressed as a fraction p/q, where p and q are integers and q
≠ 0.
Includes: Integers, fractions, terminating decimals, repeating decimals.
Examples: 2/3, -5, 0.25, 1.6 recurring.
d) Real Numbers (R)
Definition: All rational and irrational numbers combined.
Irrational Numbers: Cannot be written as a simple fraction, decimals never end and never
repeat.
Examples: π (≈3.14), √2 (≈1.41), e (≈2.71).
Notation: R = {All rationals} + {All irrationals}
Practice Exercises (Numbers)
1. Write the first 5 prime numbers greater than 20.
2. Express -7 as a rational number.
3. Is √49 rational or irrational? Why?
4. Place -2, 0, 3/2, and π on a number line.
2. Number Line 📈
Definition: A straight, horizontal line used to represent numbers.
Key Features:
Origin: 0
Right side: Positive numbers
Left side: Negative numbers
Equal spacing between points
Examples:
To plot 3/2 (1.5), mark the midpoint between 1 and 2.
To plot 2.7, place a point closer to 3 than to 2.
<--|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|-->
-3 -2 -1 0 1 1.5 2 π 4
Practice Exercises (Number Line)
1. Plot -3, 0, 2, and √2 on a number line.
2. Between which two integers does 4.5 lie?
3. Which is further from 0: -6 or 5?
4. Basic Math Operations & BODMAS 📈
Four Operations:
Addition (+), Subtraction (−), Multiplication (×), Division (÷).
BODMAS Rule (Order of Operations):
B → Brackets
O → Orders (powers, roots)
D → Division
M → Multiplication
A → Addition
S → Subtraction
Example 1: 10 + 6 ÷ 2
Division first: 6 ÷ 2 = 3
Then Addition: 10 + 3 = 13 ✅
Example 2: (5 + 3) × 2 − 4²
Brackets: 8 × 2 − 16
Orders: 8 × 2 − 16
Multiplication: 16 − 16
Subtraction: 0 ✅
FractionsExample:
1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Practice Exercises (BODMAS)
1. Solve 12 ÷ (3 + 1).
2. Simplify (6 − 2)² ÷ 2.
3. Find the sum: 1/4 + 2/3.
4. Evaluate 10 − 2 × 3.
5. Transition from Numbers → Algebra.
Arithmetic: Works only with numbers.
Example: 5 + 7 = 12
Algebra: Uses letters (variables) for unknown values.
Example: 5 + x = 12
Algebraic Expression: A mix of numbers, variables, and operations.
Example: (1/2)x + (1/2)y – 7
Why Algebra? Helps solve real-world problems with unknown values.
Example: 5p = 100 (p = price of one pen).
Practice Exercises (Algebra Intro)
1. Write an algebraic expression for: "The sum of a number and 9."
2. If 7p = 210, what is the value of p?
3. Translate into algebra: "A number decreased by 5 equals 12."
5. Equations.
Definition: A statement that two expressions are equal. Always contains “=”.
Goal: Find the variable’s value (solution).
Example: Solve 2x + 3 = 7
Subtract 3 → 2x = 4
Divide by 2 → x = 2
Check: 2(2) + 3 = 7 (Correct).
Practice Exercises (Equations)
1. Solve x + 7 = 15.
2. Solve 3y − 4 = 11.
3. If 5x = 100, find x.
4. A number doubled and increased by 5 equals 21. Write and solve the equation.
🌟 Key Takeaways Summary
Integers (Z): Whole numbers, +/−, and 0.
Rational Numbers (Q): Fractions, decimals (ending or repeating).
Real Numbers (R): All rational + irrational numbers.
BODMAS: Order of operations.
Variable: A symbol for an unknown value.
Equation: A statement with an equal sign to solve.
