Chapter

Real Numbers
1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Let us have a brief review of various types of numbers.
A
Observe the following numbers. N
1 3 13 5 213 69 22
7, 100, 9, 11, -3, 0,  , 5, 1, , 1, 0.12,  , 13.222 ..., 19, , , , , 5.6
4 7 17 3 4 1
A 7
John and Sneha want to label the above numbers and put them in the bags they belong to. Some
of the numbers are in their respective bags..... Now you pick up rest of the numbers and put them into
G
the bags to which they belong. If a number can go in more than one bag then copy the number and put
them in the relevent bags.
A N
L
E Q
Z 30, 7, 100,
-9,
0,-10,
7, , 9, 7,
0, 9,
7, 7, W 7 -3,
0, 1,
3,3, 7 3
7,7,8,
100
100,101
N 10,100
11, ...
, T 100 -2,-3
7

T
You have observed bag N contains natural numbers. Bag W contains whole numbers. Bag Z
R
contains integers and bag Q contains rational numbers.
We observe that the bag Z contains integers which is the collection of negative numbers and
E
whole numbers. It is denoted by I or Z and we write,
C Z = {... 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …}
p
Similarly the bag Q contains all numbers that are of the form where p and q are integers and
q  0.
S q

Further, we can observe that all the numbers that are of the bag N, the bag W and the bag Z are
present in the bag Q.
You might have noticed that natural numbers, whole numbers, integers and rational numbers can
p
be written in the form , where p and q are integers and q  0.
q
Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 1 REAL NUMBERS
 15
For example, -15 can be written as ; here p = -15 and q = 1. Observe the Example
1
1 2 10 50
= = = ... and so on. These are equivalent rational numbers . It means that the
2 4 20 100
p
rational numbers do not have a unique representation in the form , where p and q are integers and
q
p p
q  0. However, when we say q is a rational number or when we represent on a number line,
q
we assume that q  0 and that p and q have no common factors other than the universal factor ‘1’
1 A
(i.e., p and q are co-primes.) There are infinitely many rational numbers equivalent to , we will
2
1
choose i.e., the simplest form to represent all of them.
2 A N
You know that how to represent whole numbers on the number line. We draw a line and mark a
point ‘0’ on it. Then we place the numbers in equal distances on the right side of the point ‘0’ and label
G
the points of division as 1, 2, 3, 4, …

0 1 2 3
N 4
Similarly we represent integers on number line as.
L A
 5  4  3 2  1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Do you remember how to represent the rational numbers on a number line?
E
3
To recallthis,let’staketherational number andrepresent it onnumberlineaswellas pictorially..
T 4
3
We know that in
4
,
, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator..
T
Which means, 3 parts are taken out of 4 equal parts from a given unit.
RHere are few representations of
3
4
.
1234
E 4444
-1 0 1 2
C 3 3
4 (Pictorially) 4 (Number line)
S
THINK & DISCUSS
Can we represent all rational numbers pictorially?

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 2 REAL NUMBERS

 5 5
Example-1. Represent and  on the number line.
3 3
Solution : Draw an integer line representing 2, 1, 0, 1, 2.

-7 -2 -5 -4 -1 -2 -1 0 1 2 1 4 5 2 7
3 (= -6 ) 3 3 ( = -3 ) 3 3 3 3 (= 3 ) 3 3 (= 6 ) 3
3 3 3 3

Divide each unit into three equal parts to the right and left sides of zero respectively. TakeA
5
five parts out of these. The fifth point on the right of zero represents and the fifth one to the left
3 N
5
of zero represents .
3
A
DO THIS G
3 p
1. Represent on the number line. 2. Write 0, 7, 10, -4 in form.
4 q
N
3. Guess my number : Your friend chooses an integer between 0 and 100. You

only in ‘yes’ or ‘no’. What strategy would you use? L A

have to find out that number by asking questions, but your friend can answer

Example-2. Are the following statements True? Give reasons for your answers with an example.
i. Every rational number is an integer.
T E
ii. Every integer is a rational number
,
iii. Zero is a rational number
7
T
Solution : i. False: For example, is a rational number but not an integer..
8
R p
ii. True: Because any integer can be expressed in the form (q  0) for example
q
2
E 4
-2 = = . Thus it is a rational number..
1 2
b
C (i.e. any integer ‘b’ can be represented as )
1
0 0 0 p
Siii. True: Because 0 can be expressed as , , ( form, where p, q are integers and
2 7 13 q
q  0)
0
(‘0’ can be represented as where ‘x’ is an integer and x  0)
x

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 3 REAL NUMBERS

Example-3. Find two rational numbers between 3 and 4 by mean method.

Solution :
Method-I : We know that the rational number that lies between two rational numbers
a+b
a and b can be found using mean method i.e. .
2
ab
Here a = 3 and b = 4, (we know that is the mean of two integers ‘a’, ‘b’ and it lies
2
between ‘a’ and ‘b’) A
(3  4) 7 7
So,  which is in between 3 and 4. 3   4 N
2 2 2
If we continue the above process, we can find manymore rational numbers between 3 and 4
3  72 6 2 7 132 13 13
A
    G
2 2 2 2 2 4
13 7
3   4
4 2
N
Method-II : The other option to find two rational numbers in single step.
A
Since we want two numbers, we write 3 and 4 as rational numbers with denominator 2 + 1 = 3
L
3 6 9 12 4 8 12 16

i.e., 3    and 4    
1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4
10 11
Then you can see that , are rational numbers between 3 and 4.
T
3 3
9  10 11  12 ,
3=    4
3  3 3 3
Now if you want to find 5 rational numbers between 3 and 4, then we write 3 and 4 as rational
number with denominator 5 + 1 = 6.
T
i.e. 3 
18
6
R
and 4 
E 24
6
3
18  19 20 21 22 23  24
 , , , , 
6  6 6 6 6 6  6
4

From this, you might have realised the fact that there are infinitelymany rational numbers between
3 and 4. Check, whether this holds good for any other two rational numbers? Thus we can say that ,
C
there exist infinite number of rational numbers between any two given rational numbers.
S DO THIS
i. Find any five rational numbers between 2 and 3 using mean method.
3 8
ii. Find any 10 rational numbers between  and .
11 11

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 4 REAL NUMBERS

 7 10 2
Example-4. Write , and in decimal form.
16 7 3
Solution : 0.4375 1.428571 0.666
16 7.00000 7 10 3 2.0000
0 7 18
70 30 20
64 28 18 A
60 20 20
48 14 18
120 60 A N 2
112 56
80 40 G
80 35
0
10
50
N 
2
 0.666 = 0.6
7  1.428571 49 A 3
  0.4375 7
16 10 is a non-terminating
is a non-terminating
L
is a terminating decimal 7 recurring decimal
recurring decimal
3
E
From above examples, we notice that every rational number can be expressed as a terminating
T
decimal or a non terminating recurring decimal.

DO THIS
T ,
1 1
Write (i) (ii) in decimal form.
17 R 19
p
Example -5. Express 3.28 in the form of (where p and q are integers, q  0 ).
E q
328
S C
Solution : 3.28 =
100
328  2 164
= 
100  2 50
164  2 82
=  (Numerator and denominator are co-primes)
50  2 25
82
 3.28 
25

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 5 REAL NUMBERS

 p
Example-6. Express 1.62 in form where q  0 ; p, q are integers.
q
Solutions : Let x = 1.626262..... (1)
multiplying both sides of equation (1) by 100, we get
100x = 162.6262... (2)
Subtracting (2) from (1) we get
100x = 162.6262... A
x = 1.6262...
- -
99x = 161 A N
161
x =
99
G
161 N
1.62 
99

TRY THIS L A
I. Find the decimal values of the following: E
1 1 1 1
i. ii. T iii. iv.
2 22 5 5 2

v.
3
10
vi.
27
25
T , vii.
1
3
viii.
7
6
5 1
ix. x.
12 7
R
Observe the following decimals
E
1 1 32 1 4
 0.5  0.1  6.4  0.333 ...  0.26
2 10 5 3 15
S C
Can you guess the character of the denominator of a fraction which can be in the form of
terminating decimal?
Write prime factors of denominator of each rational number.
What did you observe from the results?
We observe that a rational number is a terminating decimal, only when the prime factors of
denominator are 2, 5 only i.e. if the denominator is expressed as 2m . 5n, where m and n are non-
negative integers.

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 6 REAL NUMBERS

 EXERCISE - 1.1
1. (a) Write any three rational numbers
(b) Explain rational number in your own words.
2. Give one example each to the following statements.
i. A number which is rational but not an integer
ii. A whole number which is not a natural number
iii. An integer which is not a whole number
A
iv. Anumber which is natural number, whole number, integer and rational number. N
v. Anumber which is an integer but not a natural number. A
3. Find five rational numbers between 1 and 2.
3 2 G
4. Insert three rational numbers between and
5 3
8
5. Represent and
5
8
5
on the number line
A N
6. Express the following rational numbers in decimal form. L
242 354 2 115
I. i) ii) iii) iv)
1000 500 5 E 4
2 25 22 11
II. i) ii)  T iii) iv)
3 36 7 9
p
7. Express each of the following decimals in
T , q
form (where q  0 and p, q are integers)
i) 0.36 ii) 15.4 iii) 10.25 iv) 3.25
p
E R
8. Express each of the following decimal numbers in
q
form

i) 0.5 ii) 3.8 iii) 0.36 iv) 3.127

9. Without actually dividing find which of the following are terminating decimals.
C
S 3 11 13 41
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
25 18 20 42

1.2 I RRATIONAL NUMBERS

Let us take a look at the number line again. Are we able to represent all the numbers on the
number line? The fact is that there are infinite numbers left on the number line. Now let us see those
numbers.
Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 7 REAL NUMBERS
 4
3

–16 –9 –4 0 3 8 14
To understand this, consider these equations
(i) x2 = 4 (ii) 3x = 4 (iii) x2 = 2
For equation (i) we know that value of x for this equation are 2 and 2. We can plot 2 and 2
on the number line.
3x 4 4
For equation (ii) 3x = 4 on dividing both sides by, 3 we get
3
=
3
 x = . We can plot
3
A
this on the number line. N
When we solve the equation (iii) x2 = 2, taking square root on both the sides of the
equation  x2 = 2  x =  2 . Let us consider x = 2.
A
Can we represent 2 on number line ? What is the value of 2 ? To which numbers does 2
G
belong? Let us discuss.
Let us find the value of 2 by long division method.
1.4142135 A N
1 2. 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 L Step 1 : After 2, place decimal point.

1 Step 2 : After decimal point write 0’s.

24 100
E Step 3 : Group ‘0’ in pairs and put a bar
96 over them.
281 400
T
Step 4 : Then follow the method to find the
281 T , square root of perfect square.
2824 11900
R 11296
28282 E 60400
56564
C 282841 383600

S 282841
2828423 10075900
8485269
28284265 159063100
141421325
 2 = 1.4142135 …
28284270 17641775

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 8 REAL NUMBERS

 If you go on finding the value of 2 , you observe that 2 =1.4142135623731..... is neither
terminating nor repeating decimal.
So far we have observed that the decimal number is either terminatingor non-terminating repeating
p
decimal, which can be expressed in form. These are known as rational numbers.
q
But decimal number for 2 is non-terminating and non-recurring decimal. Can you represent
this 2  1.414213 using bar? No we can’t. These type of numbers are called irrational numbers and
p p A
they can’t be represented in form where p, q are integers and q  0. That is 2  (for any
q q
integers p and q, q  0). N
Similarly 3 = 1.7320508075689..... A
5 = 2.2360679774998.....
These are non-terminating and non-recurring decimals. These are known as irrational numbers
and are denoted by ‘S’ or ‘Q1’.
G
Examples of irrational numbers
A N
(1) 2.1356217528..., (2) 2, 3,  , etc.
In 5th Century BC the Pythagoreans in Greece, the followers of the famous mathematician
L
and philosopher Pythagoras, were the first to discover the numbers which were not rationals.
E
These numbers are called irrational numbers. The Pythagoreans proved that 2 is irrational
number. LaterTheodorus of Cyrene showed that 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
T
and 17 are also irrational numbers. There is a reference of irrationals in calculation of
,
square roots in Sulba Sutra (800 BC).
Observe the following table If ‘n’ is a natural number
T other than a perfect
R 1 = 1
square then n is an
2 = 1.414213.....
irrational number
E 3 = 1.7320508.....
4 = 2
C = 2.2360679.....
S 5
6 =
7 =
8 =
9 = 3

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 9 REAL NUMBERS

 Now, can you classify the numbers in the table as rational and irrational numbers?

1 , 4 , 9 - are rational numbers.

2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 - are irrational numbers.

THINK DISCUSS AND WRITE

2 p A
Kruthi said 2 can be written as which is in form. So 2 is a rational number..
1 q
Do you agree with her argument ?
A N
Know About 
G c
 is defined as the ratio ofthe circumference (C) of acircle to its diameter(d). i.e.  
d
p
As  is in the form of , this seems to contradict the fact that  is irrational. The circumference
N
q
(C) and the diameter (d) of a circle are incommensurable. i.e. there does not exist a common unit to
A
measure that allows us to measure the both numerator and denominator. If you measure accurately
then atleast either C or d is irrational. So  is regarded as irrational.
L
The Greek genius Archimedes was the first to compute the value of  . He showed the
E
value of  lie between 3.140845 and 3.142857. (i.e., 3.140845 <  < 3.142857) Aryabhatta
T
(476-550 AD), the great Indian mathematician and astronomer, found the value of  correctly
upto four decimal places 3.1416. Using high speed computers and advanced algorithms,  has
,
been computed to over 1.24 trillion decimal places .
T
 =3.14159265358979323846264338327950 ….. The decimal expansion of  is non-
R 22
terminating non-recurring. So  is an irrational number. Note that, we often take as an
7
22
E
approximate value of  , but  
7
.
C
We celebrate March 14th as  day since it is 3.14 (as  = 3.14159 ....). What a coincidence,
Albert Einstein was born on March 14th, 1879!
S
TRY THIS
Find the value of 3 upto six decimals. by long division method.

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 10 REAL NUMBERS

1.2.1 Representing irrational numbers on Number line
We have learnt that there exist a rational number between any two rational numbers.
Therefore, when two rational numbers are represented by points on number line, we can use a
point to represent a rational number between them. So there are infinitely many points representing
rational numbers. It seems that the number line is consisting of points which represent rational
numbers only. Is it true? Can’t you represent 2 on number line? Let us discuss and locate
irrational numbers such as 2 , 3 on the number line.
A
Example-7. Locate 2 on number line N
Solution : At O draw a unit square OABC on number line with each side 1 unit in length. A
By Pythagoras theorem OB = 12  12  2

C B
G
2 N 2
1
O 1
A
-7 -3 -5 -2 -3 -1 -1 0 1 A1 K3 2 5 3 7
2 2 2 2 L 2 2 2 2

Fig. (i)
E
We have seen that OB = 2 . Using a compass with centre O and radius OB, draw an arc on the
T
right side to O intersecting the number line at the point K. Now K corresponds to 2 on the number
,
line.

Example-8. Locate 3 on the number line.

T
R
Solution : Let us return to fig. (i)
E
C 3 1
C B
2
1 3
S O 1 A
-7 -3 -5 -2 -3 -1 -1 0 1 1 3 2 5 3 7
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Fig. (ii)

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 11 REAL NUMBERS

 Now construct BD of 1 unit length perpendicular to OB as in Fig. (ii). Join OD

By Pythagoras theorem, OD = ( 2)2  12  2  1  3

Using a compass, with centre O and radius OD, draw an arc which intersects the number line at
the point Lright side to 0. Then ‘L’corresponds to 3 . From this we can conclude that many points on
the number line can be represented by irrational numbers also. In the same way, we can locate n
for any positive integers n, after n  1 has been located. A
TRY THESE
A N
Locate 5 and  5 on number line. [Hint : 52 = (2)2 + (1)2]

1.3 REAL NUMBERS

G
p
N
R
All rational numbers can be written in the form of , where
L q
A
p and q are integers and q  0. There are also other numbers that
p
cannot be written in the form , where p and q are integers and are
q
E 19
called irrational numbers. If we represent all rational numbers and all
T , 7, 8, -2,
2007
irrational numbers and put these on the number line, would there be
, -7, 100, 2 , 5 ,
any point on the number line that is not covered? The answer is no!
T  , 9, 999...
All pts on the naumber line represents either rational and irrational
numbers. This combination of rational number and irrational numbers
R
are called Real Numbers, denoted by R. We can say that every real
number is represented by a unique point on the number line. Also, every point on the number line
E
represents a unique real number. So we call this as the real number line.
C
Here are some examples of Real numbers
S 1 22
5.6, 21, 2, 0,1, , , , 2, 7, 9, 12.5, 12.5123..... etc. You mayfind that both rational
5 7
and Irrationals are included in this collection.

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 12 REAL NUMBERS

 1 2
Example-9 : Find any two irrational numbers between and .
5 7
1
Solution : We know that = 0.20
5
2
 0.285714
7
1 2
To find two irrational numbers between and , we need to look at the decimal form of the
5 7 A
two numbers and then proceed. We can find infinitely many such irrational numbers.
Examples of two such irrational numbers are
N
0.201201120111..., 0.24114111411114…, 0.25231617181912..., 0.267812147512 … A
1 2
Can you find four more irrational numbers between and ? G
5 7

Example-10. Find an irrational number between 3 and 4.

N
Solution :
A
If a and b are two positive rational numbers such that ab is not a perfect square of a rational
L
number, then ab is an irrational number lying between a and b.
E
 An irrational number between 3 and 4 is T 34 = 3 4
, = 3 2 = 2 3

Example-11. Examine, whether the following numbers are rational or irrational :

T
(i) 3  3   3  3 
R (ii) 3  3 3  3
  
10 E 2
(iii) (iv)  2 2 
2 5
C
Solution :

(i)
S 3  3   3  3  = 3 3  3 3
= 6, which is a rational number.
(ii) 3  3 3  3 
We know that  a  b  a  b   a 2  b 2 is an identity..

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 13 REAL NUMBERS

 2
Thus 3  3 3  3 = 32 
     3 = 9  3 = 6 which is a rational number..

10 10  2 5 5 5
(iii) =    5 , which is an irrational number..
2 5 2 52 5 5

2 2
(iv)  2 2 =
   2  2. 2 .2  22  2  4 2  4

= 6  4 2 , which is an irrational number..

A
EXERCISE - 1.2
A N
1. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational.

(i) (ii) (iii) 30.232342345…

27 441
G
(iv) 7.484848… (v) 11.2132435465 (vi) 0.3030030003.....
2. Give four examples for rational and irrational numbers? A N
5 7 L
3. Find an irrational number between and . How many more there may be?
7 9
4. Find two irrational numbers between 0.7 and 0.77
T E
5. Find the value of 5 upto 3 decimal places.
,
6. Find the value of 7 up to six decimal places by long division method.
T
7. Locate 10 on the number line.
8. Find atleast two irrational numbers between 2 and 3.
R
9. State whether the following statements are true or false. Justify your answers with an example.
E
(i) Every irrational number is a real number.
C
(ii) Every rational number is a real number.
S(iii) Every real number need not be a rational number

(iv) n is not irrational if n is a perfect square.

(v) n is irrational if n is not a perfect square.

(vi) All real numbers are irrational.

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 14 REAL NUMBERS

 ACTIVITY
Constructing the ‘Square root spiral’.
Take a large sheet of paper and construct the ‘Square root spiral’in the following manner.
Step 1 : Start with point ‘O’ and draw a line segment OP of 1 unit
S 1
length. 1 R
T
1
Step 2 : Draw aline segment PQ perpendicularto OP of unit length 4
(where OP = PQ = 1) (see Fig)
3
A Q
2
1
Step 3 : Join O, Q. (OQ = 2)
N
O P
1
Step 4 : Draw a line segment QR of unit length perpendicular to
A
OQ .
G
Step 5 : Join O, R. (OR = 3)
N
Step 6 : Draw a line segment RS of unit length perpendicular to OR . A
Step 7 : Continue in this manner for some more number of steps, you will create a beautiful spiral
L
made of line segments PQ , QR , RS , ST , TU ... etc. Note that the line segments OQ ,
E
OR , OS , OT , OU ... etc. denote the lengths 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively..
T
LINE
1.4 REPRESENTING REAL NUMBERS ON THE NUMBER
THROUGH S UCCESSIVE MAGNIFICATION
T ,
In the previous section, we have seen that any real number has a decimal expansion.
R
Now first let us see how to represent terminating decimal on the number line.
Suppose we want to locate 2.776 on the number line. We know that this is a terminating decimal
E
and this lies between 2 and 3.

S C -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

2 3
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9

Fig.(i)

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 15 REAL NUMBERS

 So, let us look closely at the portion of the number line between 2 and 3. Suppose we divide this
into 10 equal parts as in Fig.(i). Then the markings will be like 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and so on. To have a clear
view, let us assume that we have a magnifying glass in our hand and look at the portion between 2 and
3. It will look like what you see in figure (i).
Now, 2.776 lies between 2.7 and 2.8. So, let us focus on the portion between 2.7 and 2.8 (See
Fig. (ii). We imagine that this portion has been divided into ten equal parts. The first mark will represent
2.71, the second is 2.72, and so on. To see this clearly, use magnifying glass as shown in Fig(ii).

2 3
A
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9
N
A
G
2.7 2.8
2.71 2.72 2.73 2.74
2.752.76 2.77 2.78 2.79
A N
Fig.(ii) L
E
2.77 2.78
T 2.775
2.771 2.772 2.773 2.774
, 2.776 2.777 2.778 2.779

Fig.(iii)
T
R
Again 2.776 lies between 2.77 and 2.78. So, let us focus on this portion of the number line see
E
Fig. (iii) and imagine that it has been divided again into ten equal parts. We magnify it to see it better, as
in Fig.(iii).
C
The first mark represents 2.771, second mark 2.772 and so on, 2.776 is the 6th mark in these
S
subdivisions.
We call this process of visualization of presentation of numbers on the number line through a
magnifying glass, as the process of successive magnification.
Now let us tryand visualize the position of a real number with a non-terminating recurring decimal
expansion on the number line by the process of successive magnification with the following example.

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 16 REAL NUMBERS

Example-12. Visualise the representation of 3.58 on the number line through successive magnification
upto 4 decimal places.
Solution: Once again we proceed with the method of successive magnification to represent 3.5888 on
number line.
3 3.5 4
Step 1 : 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

A
3.5
3.55
3.51 3.52 3.53 3.54 3.56 3.58 3.59
3.6
N
Step 2 :
A
G
3.58
3.585
3.59
A N
Step 3 :

E L
3.588 3.589
3.5881 3.5883
T 3.58853.5887 3.5889

Step 4 : , 3.58
T 3.5888

E XERCISE - 1.3
R
1. Visualise 2.874 on the number line, using successive magnification.
E
2. Visualilse 5.28 on the number line, upto 3 decimal places.

S C
1.5 OPERATIONS ON REAL NUMBERS
We have learnt, in previous class, that rational numbers satisfy the commutative, associative and
distributive laws under addition and [Link] also, we learnt that rational numbers are closed
with respect to addition, subtraction, multiplication. Can you say irrational numbers are also closed
under four fundamental operations?

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 17 REAL NUMBERS

Look at the following examples
3   3  0 . Here 0 is a rational number..
   
 5    5   0 . Here 0 is a rational number..
 2  . 2   2 . Here 2 is a rational number..
7
 1 . Here 1 is a rational number..
7
What do you observe? The sum, difference, products and quotients of irrational numbers need A
not be irrational numbers.
So we can sayirrational numbers are not closed with respect to addition, subtraction, multiplication
and divisioin. A N
Suppose you want to add 3 2 to 2 2 , the sum can be written as 5 2 and if you subtract
2 2 from 3 2 , you will get 2
G
THINK, DISCUSS AND WRITE N
1. Hasith said "5 3  2 7  7 10 " . Do you agree with him? A
2. How can you find the value of 5 2  8 ? L
Let us see some problems on irrational numbers.

Example-13. Check whether (i) 5 2 (ii)

5
E
(iii) 21  3 (iv)   3 are irrational numbers or not?
2
T
Solution : We know 2  1.414... , 3  1.732... ,   3.1415...
(i) 5 2 = 5(1.414…) = 7.070…
T ,
5 5 2 5 2 7.070
(ii) =    = 3.535… (from i)
2 2 2 2
2
R
(iii) 21  3 = 21+1.732… = 22.732…
If q is rational and s is irrational
q
(iv)   3
E
= 3.1415… + 3 = 6.1415… then q + s, q - s, qs and are
s
All these are non-terminating, non-recurring decimals. irrational numbers
C
Thus they are irrational numbers.
S
Example-14. Subtract 5 3  7 5 from 3 5  7 3
Solution : (3 5  7 3)  (5 3  7 5)

= 3 5 7 3  5 3 7 5
= 4 5  12 3
=  (4 5  12 3)
Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 18 REAL NUMBERS
Example-15. Multiply 6 3 with 13 3
Solution : 6 3  13 3  6  13  3  3  78  3  234
Properties relating to square roots are given belwo, which are useful in various ways.
Let a and b be non-negative real numbers. Then
(i) ab  a b

a a
(ii)  ; if b  0 A
b b

(iii) a b a  b ab
  
N
2
(iv)  a  b  a  b   a  b
A
(v)  a  b  c  d   ac  ad  bc  bd
G
2
(vi)  a b   a  2 ab  b
A N
(vii) a + b + 2 ab  a  b
Let us look at some particular cases of these properties.
Example-16. Simplifythefollowing expressions: E L
(i) 3  3  2  2  (ii) 2  3 2  3
T   
2
(iii)  5  2 (iv) 
, 5 2  5 2 
Solution : T
(i) 3  3  2  2  = 6  3 2  2 3  6
2
2
(ii)
R
 2  3  2  3   2   3  = 4 - 3 = 1
2 2 2
(iii)
E
 5  2  =  5   2 5 2   2   5  2 10  2  7  2 10
2 2

S C (iv)  5  2  5  2  =  5    2   5  2  3
Example-17. Find the square root of 5  2 6
Solution : 5  2 6

= 3 2  2 3  2  a  b  2 ab  a  b
= 3 2

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 19 REAL NUMBERS

1.5.1 Rationalising the Denominator

Can we locate 1 on the number line ?

2

What is the value of 1 ?

2
How do we find the value? As 2 = 1.4142135..... which is neither terminating nor repeating.
Can you divide 1 with this? A
It does not seem to be easy to find 1 . N
2
A
Let us try to change the denominator into a rational form. To rationalise the denominator of

1 , multiply the numerator and the denominator of 1 by

2 2
2 , we get
G
1
=
1

2

2
. Yes, it is half of 2 .
N
2 2 2 2
L A
2
Now can we plot on the number line ? It lies between 0(zero) and 2.
2 E
Observe that 2  2 =2. Thus we say 2 is the rationalising factor (R.F) of 2
T
Similarly 2 and
2  8  16  4 . Then
, 8 are rationalising factors of each other
2  18  36  6 , etc. Therefore 2 is rationalising factor of 18 . From above examples 2 is
T
a rationalising factor of 2 , 8 , 18 , 32 , .... etc. Among these 2 is the simplest rationalising factor
R
of 2.
E
Note that if the product of two irrational numbers is a rational number then each of the two is the
rationalising factor (R.F) of the other. Also notice that the R.F. of a given irrational number is not
C
unique. It is convenient to use the simplest of all R.F.s of given irrational number.
S DO THIS
1 3 1
Find rationalising factors of the denominators of (i) (ii) (iii) .
2 3 5 8

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 20 REAL NUMBERS

 1
Example-18. Rationalise the denominator of
4 5

Solution : We know that a  b a  b  a 2  b

  
1
Multiplying the numerator and denominator of by 4  5
4 5

1 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5
4 5

4 5

2
2
=
16  5

11
A
4   5 N
1
Example-19. If x = 7  4 3 then find the value of x 
x
A
Solution : Given x = 7  4 3 G
1 1 74 3 74 3 74 3
Now =  = 2 = N
x 7 4 3 74 3 72  4 3 49  16  3
  A
74 3
=  74 3
49  48 L
1
x  7  4 3  7  4 3  14
x E
1 1
Example-20. Simplify 
74 3 2 5
, T
Solution : The rationalising factor of 7  4 3 is 7  4 3 and the rationalising factor of 2  5 is
2 5 . T
1 1
=  R
74 3 2 5
1 74 3
E 1 2 5
   
74 3 74 3 2 5 2 5

S C  2
74 3

2 5
7  (4 3) 2 2 2  ( 5) 2
74 3 2 5
 
49  48 (4  5)
74 3 2 5
 
1 (1)

 7 4 3  2 5  5 4 3  5

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 21 REAL NUMBERS

1.5.2Law of Exponents for real numbers

Let us recall the laws of exponents.

a m n
m if m  n
m n mn a 
i) a m .a n  a m  n ii) (a )  a iii) n   1 if m  n
a  n1m if m  n
a

1
 an
iv) a m b m  (ab) m v)
an
vi) a0 = 1 (a  0)
A
Here a, b ‘m’ and ‘n’ are integers and a, b  0, a, b are called the base and m, n are the
exponents. A N
For example

i) 73.7 3 = 73 ( 3) = 7 0 = 1 ii) (23 ) 7  2 21 

1
G
221
N
237 13 13 13 13
iii)  237 4  2311 iv)  7  . 3 =  7  3 =  21
234
A
Let us compute the following.
L
4
E 1
2 1 1 1
 17  35 17 17
i) 2 3 .2 3 ii)  5  iii) 1
iv) 7 .11
  T 33
How do we go about it? The exponents and bases in the above examples are rational numbers.
,
We cant find there using previous discussed lawas of [Link] there is a need to extend the laws
T
of exponents to bases of positive real numbers and to the exponents as rational numbers. Before we
state these laws, we need first to understand what is nth root of a real number.
R
We know if 32 = 9 then E 9  3 (square root of 9 is 3)

i.e., 2
C 9 3

1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 12
If 5 = 25 then
S 25  5 i.e., 25  5 moreover 25   25  5   5 5

Observe the following

1
1 3
3 3 3
If 23 = 8 then 3 8  2 (cube root of 8 is 2); 8 8  2   2

1 1
4 4 th 4 4 4 4
2 = 16 then 16  2 (4 root of 16 is 2); 16  16   2   2

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 22 REAL NUMBERS

 1 1
5 5 th 5 5 5 5
2 = 32 then 32  2 (5 root of 32 is 2); 32   32   2   2

1 1
6 th 6 6 6 6
26 = 64 then 64  2 (6 root of 64 is 2); 64   64   2   2

.............................................................................................................
1 1
n n th n n n n
Similarly if a = b then b  a (n root of b is a); b  b  a   a

Let a > 0 be a real number and ‘n’ be a positive integer.

A
If bn = a, for some positive real number ‘b’, then b is called nth root of ‘a’ and we write N
n
a  b . In the earlier discussion laws of exponents were defined for integers. Let us extend the laws
of exponents to the bases of positive real numbers and rational exponents.
A
Let a > 0 be a real number and p and q be rational numbers then, we have G
p q pq
i) a p .a q  a p  q ii) (a )  a

iii)
ap
 a pq iv) [Link] = (ab)p
Nv) n
1

aq
A a  an

Now we can use these laws to answer the questions asked earlier.
L
Example-21. Simplify E
4 1
2 1  17  T 35 1 1
i) 2 3 .2 3 ii)  5 iii) iv) 17
7 .1117
1
 
33
,
2 1 213
Solution : i) 2 3 .2 3 2
  3 3
T
 2 3  21  2
DO THIS
4
 17  4
ii)  5   5 7
R Simplify:
 
E i. 16 
1
2
ii. 128
1
7
1
3 5 2 1
C iii) 35
1
 1 1
35 3
  3 15  315 =
32 /15 1
iii.  343 5
33
S 1
1 1 1
iv) 17
7 .1117 =  7  1117  7717

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 23 REAL NUMBERS

Surd
If ‘n’ is a positive integer greater than 1 and ‘a’ is a positive rational number but not nth power of
any rational number then n a (or) a1/n is called a surd of nth order. In general we say the positive nth
root of a is called a surd or a radical. Here a is called radicand , n is called radical sign and n is called
the degree of radical.
Forms of Surd
Here are some examples for surds. Exponential form a 1n
3
2, 3, 9, ..... etc Radical form a n
A
1
Consider the real number 7 . It may also be written as 72
N
. Since 7 is not a square of any
rational number, 7 is a surd. A
Consider the real number 3 8 . Since 8 is a cube of a rational number 2, So, 3 8 is not a surd. G
1
 1 2 1
4
Consider the real number 2 . It may be written as  22   24  2 . 2 can not be
 
 
N
written as fourth root of any rational number. So it is a surd of 4th degree.
L A
DO THIS
1. Write the following surds in exponential form
E
i. ii. 3 iii. 5 iv. 17
2 9
, T 20 19
2. Write the surds in radical form:
1 1 2 1
i. ii. iii. 5 iv.
57
T
17 6 5 142 2

E XERCISE - 1.4
E R
1. Simplify the following expressions.

S C i)  5  7  2  5  ii)  5  5  5  5 
2
iii)  3 7  iv)  11  7  11  7 
2. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational.
2
i) 5  3 ii) 3 2 iii)  2 2 

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 24 REAL NUMBERS

 2 7 1
iv) v) 2 vi) vii) 2  2 2  2
  
7 7 3

3. In the following equations, find whether variables x, y, z etc. represent rational or irrational
numbers
2 2
i) x 2  7 ii) y  16 iii) z  0.02

2 17
iv) u  v) w2  27 vi) t4 = 256
4
A
4. Every surd is an irrational, but every irrational need not be a surd. Justify your answer.
A N
5. Rationalise the denominators of the following:
1 1 1 6
i) ii) iii) iv)
G
3 2 7 6 7 3 2

6. Simplifyeach of the following byrationalising the denominator:

A N
64 2 7 5 1 3 5 7
i) ii) iii) iv)
64 2 7 5 3 2 2 3 3 3 2
E L
10  5
7. Find the value of upto three decimal places. (take 2  1.414 and 5  2.236 )
2 2 T
8. Find the Values.
1 1
, 1
i) ii) iii)
64 6
3
T 32 5
2
625 4
1
iv) 16 2 v) 243 5 vi) (46656) 6
E R
9. Simplify: 4 81  8 3 343 + 15 5 32 + 225
C
10. If ‘a’ and ‘b’ are rational numbers, find the value of a and b in each of the following equations.
S 3 2 5 3
i)  ab 6 ii)  a  b 15
3 2 2 5 3 3

11. Find the square root of 11  2 30

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 25 REAL NUMBERS

 WHAT HAVE WE DISCUSSED ?
In this chapter we have discussed the following points:
p
1. A number which can be written in the form , where p and q are integers
q
and q  0 is called a rational number..
p
2. A number which cannot be written in the form , for any integers p, q and
q
q  0 is called an irrational number..
A
3. The decimal expansion of a rational number is either terminating or non-terminating recurring.
4. The decimal expansion of an irrational number is non-terminating and non-recurring. A N
5. The collection of all rational and irrational numbers is called Real numbers.
6. There is a unique real numbercorresponding to everypoint on the number [Link] corresponding G
to each real number, there is a unique point on the number line.
q
7. If q is rational and s is irrational, then q+s, q-s, qs and
s
N
are irrational numbers.
A
8. If n is a natural number other than a perfect square, then n is an irrational number..
L
9. The following identities hold for positive real numbers a and b
a a
i) ab  a b
T ii)
E b

b
(b  0)

2
iii)  a b  a  b ab , iv)  a  b  a  b   a b
2
v) a+ b  a  2 ab  b vi) a  b  2 ab = a+ b
  T
1 a b
10. To rationalise the denominator of , we multiply this by , where a, b are
R ab a b
integers. E
11. Let a > 0, b > 0 be a real number and p and q be rational numbers. Then
C ap
i) a p .a q  a p  q ii) (a p ) q  a pq iii) q
 a pq
S a
iv) a p .b p  (ab) p

12. If ‘n’ is a positive integer > 1 and ‘a’ is a positive rational number but not nth power of any
1
rational number then n
a or a n is called a surd of nth order..

Government’s Gift for Students’ Progress 26 REAL NUMBERS