Chapter - 9

Rational Numbers

<Topics Covered>
 Introduction to Rational Numbers
 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers
 Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers

Stepping Stones
 Fractions and Their Types
 Number Line
 Operations of Integers

Introduction to Rational Numbers <H1>

Rational numbers are needed because there are many quantities or

measures that cannot be described using integers or fractions.
𝐩
A number that can be expressed in the form of 𝐪, where p (numerator)
and q (denominator) are integers and q ≠ 0 is called a rational number.
5 7 3
• For example, 2, 9 and − 8.

Knowledge Nugget

All integers and fractions are rational numbers. Note that every integer can be written as a rational
number with denominator 1. For example, −2 is an integer and it can be represented in the form of a
2
rational number as − 1.
Positive and Negative Rational Numbers

If both numerator and denominator of a rational number are positive

POSITIVE RATIONAL NUMBER integers, then such a rational number is called a positive rational number.
5 9 13
• For example, 4, 11 and .
6

If either the numerator or the denominator is a negative integer, then such a

NEGATIVE RATIONAL NUMBER rational number is called a negative rational number.
5 −9 13
• For example, − 4, 11 and −6.

ZERO

• Zero is the only number that is neither a negative nor a positive rational number.
 Equivalent If we multiply the numerator and the denominator of a given
rational number by the same non-zero integer, then we obtain
Rational another rational number equivalent to the given rational number.
Numbers 5 5×2 10
For example, the equivalent rational number of 2 is 2×2 = 4 .

A rational number can have an infinite number of equivalent

rational numbers.

The equivalent rational number can also be obtained by dividing

both the numerator and the denominator by the same non-zero
6 6÷2 3
integer. For example, the equivalent rational number of 4 is 4÷2 = 2.

Rational Numbers on a Number Line

Rational numbers can be

represented on a
number line. Positive
rational numbers would
be marked to the right of
0 and negative rational
numbers would be
<image taken from base script> marked to the left of 0.
2
The rational numbers −5
2
and 5 are at the same
distance from 0 on the
Rational Numbers on a Number Line number line.

•If the denominator of a rational number is a positive integer

and the numerator and the denominator have no common
factor except 1, then such a rational number is said to be in the
standard form.

Rational numbers in 3
•For example, 2 is in the standard form as the numerator and
Standard Form
the denominator do not have a common factor, except 1.

•If a rational number is not in the standard form, then it can be

reduced to the standard form by dividing the numerator and
the denominator by their highest common factor (HCF).
Comparison of Rational Numbers

Then, write
In case of
the given
To make the negative
rational
Two rational denominators rational
numbers as After that, we
numbers can same, we first numbers,
equivalent compare the
be compared find the LCM follow the
rational numerators
easily, once of the same step by
numbers, to compare
they have the denominators ignoring their
each having a the rational
same of the two negative
denominator numbers.
denominator. rational signs and
equal to the
numbers. then reverse
LCM
the order.
obtained.

Rational Numbers Between Two Rational Numbers

To find rational
numbers between
the given two Then, we can find There are infinite
rational numbers, as many rational rational numbers
first convert them to numbers as we between two
rational numbers want between the rational numbers.
with the same given two different
denominator. rational numbers.

Guided Learning 1:
What rational number is represented by the letter A on the given number line?

<image taken from base script>

Solution:
The distance between 5 and 6 is divided into 7 equal parts.
35 42
So, we can write 5 as 7 and 6 as 7 . Also, each sub-division between 5 and 6 is represented by a
rational number as shown on the number line:

<image taken from base script>

 41
Hence, the letter A represents the rational number 7
.

Guided Learning 2:
−3 −1
Compare the rational numbers 5
and 3
. Also, list three rational numbers between them.

Solution:
The LCM of 5 and 3 is 15.
Write the given rational numbers with the common denominator 15.
−3 −3×3 −9
5
= 5×3
= 15
−1 −1×5 −5
3
= 3×5
= 15
−3 −1
Since −9 < −5, therefore < .
5 3
−6 −7 −8 −3 −1
Also, the rational numbers 15 , 15 and 15 lie between 5
and 3
.

Topic-end Assessment Introduction to Rational Numbers

1. Which of the following rational numbers is the smallest? 2 marks
3 5 7 1
, ,− and −
7 4 14 28

2. Find two rational numbers between the given rational numbers. 3 marks
4 1
a. − and −
7 5
3 4
b. − and −
10 25
What I Can Do Introduction to Rational Numbers

I can identify a rational number. Yes No

I can compare the rational numbers. Yes No
I can represent the rational numbers on the number line. Yes No
I can find the rational numbers between the given two rational numbers. Yes No

Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers <H2>

Addition of Rational Numbers

Rational numbers are added in the same way as we add fractions.

The following two cases arise when we add rational numbers.

Adding rational numbers with the same Adding rational numbers with different
denominator. denominators.

To add two or more rational numbers with To add two or more rational numbers with
the same denominator, we add the different denominators, first find the LCM of
numerators keeping the denominator same. the denominators.

For example, Then, find the equivalent rational numbers

1 4 1+4 5 of the given rational numbers with a
7
+7 = 7
= 7 common denominator.
Let us understand this with the help of a
number line. For the addition of rational Finally, add these rational numbers.
numbers, we move towards the right on the
number line.

<image taken from base script>

 The additive inverse of a given rational number is the rational number, which on being added to
the original rational number gives the sum zero.

Subtraction of Rational Numbers

On a number line, the rational

numbers are subtracted in the
While subtracting two rational
same way, we add rational
numbers, we add the additive The rest of the process is the
numbers. The only difference
inverse of the rational number same as that of the addition of
here is that in the case of
that is being subtracted to the rational numbers.
subtraction of rational
other rational number.
numbers, we move towards
the left on the number line.

Guided Learning 3:
5 3
What is the value of − + ?
28 14

Solution:
The LCM of 14 and 28 is 28.
5 3 5 3×2
− + = − +
28 14 28 14 × 2
5 6
= − +
28 28
−5 + 6
=
28
1
=
28
1
Hence, the required value is 28.
Topic-end Assessment Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers
8 5
1. Find − 9 + 6. 2 marks

3 1
2. Find 8 − (− 24). 2 marks

What I Can Do Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers

I can add the rational numbers. Yes No

I can subtract the rational numbers. Yes No

Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers <H3>

To multiply a rational number by an integer, we multiply the numerator by that integer, keeping the
denominator same.

To multiply any two rational numbers, follow these three steps:

 Step 3: Write the
product as:
Result of step 1
Step 2: Multiply Result of step 2.
the denominators of
the two rational
Step 1: Multiply numbers.
the numerators of
the two rational
numbers.

Division of Rational Numbers

To divide a rational number by the other non-zero rational number, we multiply the given rational
number by the reciprocal of the other.

We follow the three steps given below to divide two rational numbers:

Step 1: Step 3:
Step 2:
Take the reciprocal of The product of these
Multiply it by the first
the second rational two rational numbers
rational number, that
number, that is, the gives the required
is, the dividend.
divisor. result.

Keywords

To find the reciprocal of a rational number, we simply interchange the numerator and the
denominator.
 In-class Activity

Students will practice operations on rational numbers by budgeting and calculating costs while
grocery shopping. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Each group will be given a budget for
their shopping trip. Provide students with a price list of grocery items, including sale prices and any
available coupons. Students will need to create a shopping list and calculate the total cost of the
items on their list, taking into account sales and coupons. As students shop, they will need to add,
subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers to stay within their budget. Encourage students to
compare prices and consider the best deals to maximize their purchasing power. Once students have
completed their shopping trip, they can share their experiences with the class, including any
strategies they used to save money. Discuss with the class how operations on rational numbers were
used in this real-life scenario and how understanding these concepts can help in everyday situations.
Students can create a budget for a larger group, such as a family, and calculate the costs of a week's
worth of groceries. Challenge students to find the best deals and calculate the savings they made
with coupons and sales. Students can reflect on the importance of budgeting and calculating costs
accurately in order to make informed decisions while grocery shopping.

3 2
Guided Learning 4: Find − 7 ÷ (− 5)

Solution:
3 2 3 2
− ÷ (− ) = − × (Reciprocal of − )
7 5 7 5
3 5
= − × (− )
7 2
−3 × (−5)
=
7×2
15
=
14
15
Hence, the required result is 14.

Topic-end Assessment Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers

3 8
1. Find × . 2 marks
4 15
 2 8
2. Find − ÷ . 2 marks
5 3

What I Can Do Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers

I can multiply the rational numbers. Yes No

I can divide the rational numbers. Yes No

Chapter-end Assessment - Objective

Choose the correct option.
1 1
1. The three rational numbers between 4 and 2 are: 1 mark
21 22 23 20 21 22
a. 30 , 30 and 30
b. 35 , 35 and 35
12 13 14 6 8 9
c. 25 , 25 and 25
d. 20 , 20 and 20

2. Choose the rational number represented by the letter P. 1 mark

 <image taken from base script>

8 9
a. − 5 b. − 5
8 9
c. − d. −
6 6

3. How many rational numbers are there between 0 and 1? 1 mark

a. 5 b. 10 c. infinitely many d. 100

1 5
4. What is the value of 2 + 8? 1 mark
1
a. 6
9
b.
8
1
c.
3
2
d. 5

4 28
5. What is the value of 14 ÷ 30? 1 mark
1
a.
10
20
b.
49
15
c. 49
40
d. 49

Directions: In the following questions, two statements are given - one labelled Assertion (A) and
the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the codes a, b,
c and d as given below:
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation for A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.

1. Assertion (A): Every integer is a rational number. 1 mark

Reason (R): Every integer can be written as a rational number with
denominator 1.

2 −3
2. Assertion (A): The value of ÷ is 1. 1 mark
−3 2
 2 −3
Reason (R): The reciprocal of −3is 2
.

Chapter-end Assessment - Subjective

1. Which of the following rational numbers is the smallest? 2 marks

2 7 8 1
5 10
, , − 10 and − 35

2. What rational number is represented by the letter M on the given number line? 2 marks

<image taken from base script>

5 1
3. Find the five rational numbers between the rational numbers and . 2 marks
4 2

3 1
4. The length and breadth of a rectangular field are 117 m and 75 m, respectively. What is the
perimeter of the rectangular field? 3 marks

4 −3 1 4
5. Simplify ( × ) ÷ ( × ). 3 marks
7 8 5 9

15 3
6. a. If the product of two rational numbers is – and one of them is – ,
28 4
find the other number. 2 marks
3 5
b. What should be subtracted from –4to get 9? 2 marks

7. Consider the number line shown below and answer the questions that follow:

<image taken from base script>

a. Find the rational number that represents the letter Q on the number line. 2 marks
b. Find three equivalent rational numbers corresponding to the rational number represented
by the letter Q. 2 marks
What I Can Do

I can identify a rational number. Yes No

I can compare the rational numbers. Yes No
I can represent the rational numbers on the number line. Yes No

I can find the rational numbers between the given two rational numbers. Yes No

I can add, subtract, multiply and divide the rational numbers. Yes No