CHAPTER

1 Rational Numbers
1.0 Introduction

Salma wants to buy 3 pens at 5 rupees each. Her friend

Satheesh wants to buy 2 similar pens. So they go to a
wholesale shop. The shopkeeper says that a packet of five
pens costs ` 22. How much does each pen cost?

22
We can easily calculate the cost of each pen to be ` .
5
Is there any natural number to represent this cost? Is there
any whole number or integer to represent this? This number
can not be represented by a whole number. We need a
fractional number to represent this quantity.
Consider one more example.
Observe the following various readings of temperature recorded on a particular day in
Simla.

Timings 10.00 a.m. 12.00 Noon 3.00 p.m. 7.00 p.m. 10.00 p.m.
Temperature 11 oC 14 oC 17 oC 10 oC 5 oC

In each case what is the change in temperature per hour?

14 o C − 11 o C 3 o
Case I Morning hours : change in temperature per hour = = C/hrs.
2 2
(10.00 A.M. - 12.00 Noon)
17 o C − 14 o C
Case II Afternoon hours: change in temperature per hour = = 1o C/hrs.
3
(12.00 Noon - 3.00 P.M.)
10 o C − 17 o C − 7 o
Case III Evening hours : change in temperature per hour = = C/hrs.
4 4
(3.00 P.M. - 7.00 P.M.)
5 o C − 10 o C −5 o
Case IV Night hours : change in temperature per hour = = C/hrs.
3 3
(7.00 P.M. - 10.00 P.M.)
3 −7 o −5o
In the above cases we come across numbers like oC, 1 oC, C, C.
2 4 3

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 3 −7 −5
The numbers used in these temperature are ,1, , . What can be call these
2 4 3
numbers? These numbers include both positive and negative fractional numbers and can be
p
written as , where q ≠ o and p can be positive or negative.
q
Let us see some more such numbers.
3 7 −10 3 2013
, , , , , .................
4 9 17 −2 2014
p
The numbers which are expressed in the form of , where p and q are integers and q ≠ o, are
q
called ‘Rational Numbers’ and the set of all rational numbers is denoted by ‘Q’. These are also
called Quotient numbers.
Observe the following
p 5 10 15
We can express any natural number in , form, for ex. 5 as or or .........
q 1 2 3
0 0 0
Similarly we can also express the whole number 0 as or or .........
1 2 5
p −3 −6
We can also express an integer in form, for ex. –3 as or
q 1 2
p 15 0 −6
That is all the above forms , and are rational numbers. So all integers are also
q 3 5 2
included in rational numbers. From the above observation we can conclude that all natural numbers,
all whole numbers and all integers are rational numbers.

Do This
1 1 −33
Consider the following collection of numbers 1, , −2, 0.5, 4 , , 0,
2 2 7
4 2
, 22, −5, , 0.125. Write these numbers under the appropriate category.
7 19
[A number can be written in more than one collection]
(i) Natural numbers ___________________________________
(ii) Whole numbers ___________________________________
(iii) Integers ___________________________________
(iv) Rational numbers ___________________________________
Would you leave out any of the given numbers from rational numbers?
Is every natural number, whole number and integer a rational number ?

2 Rational Numbers
 Try These
5
1. Hamid says is a rational number and 5 is only a natural number.
3
Sakshi says both are rational numbers. Who do you agree with?
2. Give an example to satisfy the following statements.
(i) All natural numbers are whole numbers but all whole numbers need
not be natural numbers.
(ii) All whole numbers are integers but all integers are not whole numbers.
(iii) All integers are rational numbers but all rational numbers need not be
integers.
We have already learnt basic operations on rational numbers in earlier classes. Let us explore
some properties of operations on rational numbers.

1.1 Operations on Rational numbers

We have already discussed addition and subtraction of Rational numbers in 7th class. Let
us recall them by doing the following problems.
Solve
9 ⎛ −13 ⎞ 3 2
(i) +⎜ ⎟ (ii) 1 +4
10 ⎝ 8 ⎠ 5 7
−7 ⎛ − 9 ⎞ −11 ⎛ 1 ⎞
(iii) −⎜ ⎟ (iv) −⎜ ⎟
16 ⎝ 20 ⎠ 14 ⎝ 21 ⎠
−7 1 −3
(v) Find the additive inverse of the following numbers : , , , 8
6 10 4
1.1.1 Multiplication of Rational Numbers
Now, we learn how to multiply the rational numbers. In class 7 we have learnt how to
multiply fractional numbers. We follow a similar process for multiplication of rational
numbers also.

2 5
Consider the rational numbers and . These are also fractional numbers.
3 7

2 5
We multiply and
3 7

2 5 2 × 5 10 ⎛ Product of numerator ⎞
× = = ⎜ Product of denominator ⎟
3 7 3 × 7 21 ⎝ ⎠

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 2 5
Now multiply 
3 7

2  5 10
We get 
3 7 21

10 14
Let us do one more example 
21 25

28
10 14 10  14 140 28 4
    
21 25 21  25 525 105 15
105

Or we can do like this also.

2 2
 10 14 4
 
21 25 15
3 5

Do this

18 33 7 1
(i)  (ii) 
11 45 17 10

105 18 13 100
(iii)  (iv) 
72 15 120 16

1.1.2 Division of Rational Numbers

Let us observe the following.

2 5
 1
5 2

9 11
 1
11 9
Here we notice that the product is ‘1’. If the product of any two rational numbers is ‘1’, then they
are called multiplicative inverse to each other.

2 5 9 11
Here and ; and are multiplicative inverse to each other..
5 2 11 9

4 Rational Numbers
 3 9 1
Write multiplicative inverse of , 11, , .
7 5 17
In class 7 we have learnt to divide fractional numbers. We follow similar process for division of
Rational numbers.
3 7
Consider the rational number and . These are also fractional numbers.
4 11
3 7
We devide with .
4 11

3 7 3 11 7
   (Multiplicative inverse of )
4 11 4 7 11

3  11 33 5
  =1
47 28 28
Let’s do the following examples :

5 3 5 4 3
(i)    (Multiplicative inverse of )
9 4 9 3 4

5  4 20
 
93 27

6
12  2   12   7  6 2
(ii)        2 (Multiplicative inverse of )
21  7  21  2  3 7
3

Do this

8 2 18  72
(i)  (ii)  
5 3 25  75 

125 50 512 1024

(iii)  (iv) Divide with
64 16 441 21

1.2 Properties of Rational numbers

1.2.1 Closure property

What is closure property?
If the sum of two whole numbers is also a whole number, then, we say that the set of whole
numbers satisfy closure property under addition.

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 5

(i) Whole numbers and Integers
Let us recall the operations under which the whole numbers and integers are closed. Complete
the following table with necessary arguements and relevant examples.

Numbers Operations
Addition Subtraction Multiplications Division
Whole numbers Closed since Not closed Closed Not closed
a + b is a whole since 5−7 = −2 since − − − since 5 ÷ 8 =
5
number for any which is not which
8
two whole a whole number − − − is not a whole
numbers a and b number.
example − −
Integers Closed Not closed
Since a – b is an − − − since
integer for any
two integers a − − − − − −
− − − and b example.

(ii) Rational numbers - Closure Property

(a) Addition: ∈ belongs to,
2 5 Let A = {1, 2, 3}
Consider any two rational numbers ,
7 8 The element 3 is in A and it is
2 5 16 + 35 51 written as 3 ∈A and we read it
+ = =
7 8 56 56 as 3 belongs to A.
51 ∀ for all
The result is again a rational number
56
⎛ −19 ⎞ ∀ is the symbol for all or for
8+⎜ ⎟ = ______ Is it a rational number? every.
⎝ 2 ⎠
2 −2 If we write ∀ a, b ∈Q, it means
+ = ______ Do you get a rational
7 7
number?
Check this for few more in the following pairs.
5 1 7 2
3+ , 0+ , +
7 2 2 7
We observe that the sum of any two rational numbers is again a rational number. Thus we
can say that rational numbers are closed under addition.
Hence (a + b) is a rational number for any two rational numbers a and b, i.e. ∀a, b ∈ Q ;
(a + b) ∈ Q.
6 Rational Numbers
(b) Subtraction:

5 3
Consider two rational numbers and
9 4
5 3 (5× 4) − (3× 9) 20 − 27 −7
Then − = = =
9 4 36 36 36
−7
Again we got a rational number (since –7, 36 are integers and 36 is not a zero,
36
−7
hence is a rational number).
36
Check this in the following rational numbers also.

2 3 14 − 9
(i) − = = _______________ Is it a rational number ?
3 7 21

⎛ 48 ⎞ 11
(ii) ⎜ ⎟− = _______________ Is it a rational number?
⎝ 9 ⎠ 18
We find that the difference is also a rational number for any two rational numbers.
Thus rational numbers are closed under subtraction. Hence (a – b) is a rational number for
any two rational number ‘a’ and ‘b’,
i.e., ∀ a, b ∈ Q, (a–b) ∈Q
(c) Multiplication:
Observe the following

1 3
3× =
2 2

6 −11 −66 −33

× = =
5 2 10 5

3 5 2 19
× = _________ ; × = ___________
7 2 1 13
We can notice that in all the cases the product of two rational numbers is a rational number.
Try for some more pairs of rational numbers and check whether their product is a rational
number or not . Can you find any two rational numbers whose product is not a rational number?
We find that rational numbers are closed under multiplication. For any two rational numbers
a and b, a×b is also rational number. i.e., ∀ a, b ∈ Q, a × b ∈Q

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(d) Division:
Consider two rational numbers.
2 7
,
3 8
2 7 2 8 16
Then ÷ = × = which is a rational number
3 8 3 7 21
Check this for two more example.
5 5 2 5 1 5
÷ 2 = ÷ = × =
7 7 1 7 2 14
2 6
− ÷ = __________ = _________ = __________
3 11
17 3 17
3÷ = ÷ = ________ = ________ = ________
13 1 13
From all the above, we observe that when we divide
two rational numbers,we get a rational number. Now 5
Why is not defined ?
can we say that the closure property holds good for rational 0
Do the division 5 ÷ 0 = ?
numbers? Or 0) 5 (?
Let us check the following: Can you complete the division?
5 What is the quotient? You may
0, 5 are rational numbers and 5 ÷ 0 = is not defined.
0 have observed that multiplication
Thus collection of Rational numbers Q is not closed of any number with ‘0’, the
with respect to division. product will be ‘0’.
If we exclude zero from Q then the resulting collection Thus division is not possible, with
is closed under division. ‘0’ as divisor.
Try These

If we exclude zero from the set of integers then is it closed under division?

Do This

Fill the blanks in the table

Closure property under
Numbers
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division
Natural numbers Yes — — —
Whole numbers — — — No
Integers — Yes — —
Rational numbers — — Yes —

8 Rational Numbers
1.2.2 Commutative Property The commutative property states
that the change in the order of two
Let us recall the commutative property with different
numbers on binary operation does
operations for both whole numbers and Integers.
not change the result.
a+b= b+a
Complete the following table.
a×b = b×a

(i) Whole numbers

Operation Example Remark

Addition 2, 3 are whole numbers Addition is commutative
2+3 = 5 and 3 + 2 = 5 in W.
∴2+3= 3+2
Subtraction Is 3 – 2 equal to 2 –3? Subtraction is not commutative
Multiplication ------ ------
Division 4÷2=? 2÷4=? -------
Is 4 ÷ 2 = 2 ÷ 4 ?

(ii) Integers

Operation Example Remark

Addition --- Addition is commutative
in Integers.
Subtraction 2, 3 are integers .......
2 − (3) = ?; (3) − 2 = ?
Is 2 − (3) = (3) − 2 = ?
Multiplication ... ... ... ... ... ...
Division ... ... ... Division is not
Commutative in Integers

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 9

(iii) Rational Numbers
(a) Addition:
5 −3
Take two rational numbers , .
2 4
5
+
( −3) = 2 × 5 + 1× ( −3) = 10 − 3 = 7
2 4 4 4 4
( −3 ) + 5
=
1 × ( −3 ) + 2 × 5
=
−3 + 10
=
7
and
4 2 4 4 4
5 ⎛ −3 ⎞ −3 5
so +⎜ ⎟ = +
2 ⎝ 4 ⎠ 4 2
Now check this rule for some more pairs of rational numbers.
1 5 5 1
Find + and + .
2 7 7 2
1 5 5 1
Is + = + ?
2 7 7 2
−2 ⎛ −4 ⎞
+ ⎜ ⎟ =
( −4 ) ⎛ −2 ⎞
+⎜ ⎟ ?
Is
3 ⎝ 5 ⎠ 5 ⎝ 3 ⎠
Did you find any pair of rational numbers whose sum changes when we reverse the order of
numbers ? So, we can say that a + b = b + a for any two rational numbers a and b.
Thus addition is commutative in the set of rational numbers.
∴ ∀ a, b ∈ Q, a + b = b + a

2 7
(b) Subtraction: Take two rational numbers and
3 8
2 7 16 − 21 −5 7 2 21 − 16 5
− = = and − = =
3 8 24 24 8 3 24 24

So 2 − 7 ≠ 7 − 2
3 8 8 3
Check the following.
5 5
Is 2 − = −2?
4 4
1 3 3 1
Is − = − ?
2 5 5 2

10 Rational Numbers
Thus we can say that subtraction is not commutative in the set of rational numbers.
a – b ≠ b – a for any two rational numbers a and b.
5
(c) Multiplication: Take two rational numbers 2, −
7
−5 −10 −5 −10 −5 −5
2× = ; ×2 = therefore 2 × = ×2
7 7 7 7 7 7
−1 ⎛ −3 ⎞ ⎛ −3 ⎞ ⎛ −1 ⎞
Is ×⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟ ?
2 ⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
Check for some more rational numbers .
We can conclude that multiplication is commutative in the set of rational numbers.
It means a × b = b × a for any two rational numbers a and b.
i.e. ∀ a, b ∈ Q, a × b = b × a

(d) Division:
7 14 14 7
Is ÷ = ÷ ?
3 9 9 3
1 3 2 1
7 14 7/ 9/ 3 14 7 14 3/ 2
÷ = × = and ÷ = × =
3 9 /
3 14 2 9 3 9/ 7 3
1 2 3 1

7 14 14 7
÷ ≠ ÷
3 9 9 3
Thus we can say that division of rational numbers is not commutative in the set of
rational numbers .

Do This

Complete the following table.

Commutative with respect to
Numbers
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division
Natural numbers Yes No Yes ———
Whole numbers ——— ——— ——— No
Integers ——— ——— ——— ———
Rational numbers ——— ——— ——— No

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1.2.3 Associative Property
The associative property states that
if you have to add three numbers,
Recall the associative property of you can add the first two numbers
whole numbers with respect to four and then add the third or you add
the second and third number in the
operations, i.e. addition, subtraction, beginning and then add the first to
the sum. The result will be the
multiplication & division.
same i.e. (3+2)+5 = 3+(2+5).

(i) Whole numbers

Complete the table with necessary illustrations and remarks.

Operation Examples with whole numbers Remark

Addition Is 2 + (3 + 0) = (2 + 3) + 0 ?
2 + (3 + 0) = 2 + 3 = 5
(2 + 3) + 0 = 5 + 0 = 5 — — —
⇒ 2 + (3 + 0) = (2 + 3) + 0 — — —
a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c
for any three whole numbers a, b, c
Subtraction (2−3) – 2 = ?; 2−(3−2) = ? Subtraction is not
Is (2−3) −2 = 2−(3−2) ? associative

Multiplication — — — — — — Multiplication is
— — — — — — associative
Division Is 2 ÷ (3 ÷ 5) = (2 ÷ 3) ÷ 5?
3 5 10
2 ÷ (3 ÷ 5) = 2 ÷ = 2× = Division is not associative
5 3 3
2 2 1 2
( 2 ÷ 3) ÷ 5 = ÷5= × =
3 3 5 15
2 ÷ ( 3 ÷ 5 ) ≠ ( 2 ÷ 3) ÷ 5

(ii) Integers
Recall associativity for integers under four operations.
Complete the following table with necessary remarks.

12 Rational Numbers
 Operation Integers with example Remark
Addition Is 2 + [(−3) + 5)] = [(2 + (−3)] + 5 ?
2 + ⎡⎣( −3) + 5⎤⎦ = 2 + [ −3 + 5] = 2 + 2 = 4 — — —— —
⎡⎣ 2 + ( −3 ) ⎤⎦ + 5 = [ 2 − 3] + 5 = − 1 + 5 = 4
For any three integers a, b and c
a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c
Subtraction Is 6 − (9 − 5) = (6 − 9) − 5 ? — — —— —
Multiplication Is 2 × [7 × ( −3)] = (2 × 7) × (−3) ? — — —— —
Division 10 ÷ ⎡⎣ 2 ÷ ( −5) ⎤⎦ = [10 ÷ 2] ÷ ( −5) ?
−2 −5
10 ÷ ⎡⎣ 2 ÷ ( −5 ) ⎤⎦ = 10 ÷ = 10 × = − 25 — — — — —
5 2
Now
10 5
(10 ÷2) ÷( −5) = ÷ ( −5) = 5 ÷( −5) = =−1
2 −5
Thus 10 ÷ ⎡⎣ 2 ÷ ( −5 ) ⎤⎦ ≠ [10 ÷ 2] ÷ ( −5 )

(iii) Rational numbers

(a) Addition
2 1
Let us consider three rational numbers , 5, and verify whether
7 2
2 ⎡ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎤ ⎡⎛ 2 ⎞⎤ ⎛ 1 ⎞
+ ⎢ 5 + ⎜ 2 ⎟ ⎥ = ⎢⎜ 7 + 5 ⎟ ⎥ + ⎜ 2 ⎟
7 ⎣ ⎝ ⎠ ⎦ ⎣⎝ ⎠⎦ ⎝ ⎠

2 ⎡ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎤ 2 ⎡ 1 ⎤ 2 ⎡10 + 1 ⎤ 4 + 77 81
L.H.S. = + ⎢5 + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ = + ⎢5 + ⎥ = + ⎢ = =
7 ⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦ 7 ⎣ 2 ⎦ 7 ⎣ 2 ⎦⎥ 14 14

⎡⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎤ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎡⎛ 2 + 35 ⎞ ⎤ 1 37 1 74 + 7 81
R.H.S. = ⎢⎜ + 5 ⎟ ⎥ + ⎜ ⎟ = ⎢⎜ ⎟⎥ + = + = =
⎣⎝ 7 ⎠ ⎦ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎣⎝ 7 ⎠ ⎦ 2 7 2 14 14

L.H.S. = R.H.S.
1 ⎡3 4⎤ ⎡1 3⎤ ⎛ 4 ⎞
Find + ⎢ + ⎥ and ⎢ + ⎥ + ⎜ ⎟
2 ⎣7 3⎦ ⎣2 7⎦ ⎝ 3 ⎠
Are the two sums equal?
Take some more rational numbers and verify the associativity.

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 13

 We find rational numbers satisfy associative property under addition.
a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c for any three rational numbers a, b and c.
i.e., ∀ a, b, c ∈ Q, a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c

(b) Subtraction

1 3 −5
Let us take any three rational numbers , and
2 4 4
1 ⎡ 3 ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎤ ⎡ 1 3 ⎤ ⎛ −5 ⎞
Verify whether − ⎢ − ⎜ ⎟⎥ = ⎢ − ⎥ − ⎜ ⎟
2 ⎣ 4 ⎝ 4 ⎠⎦ ⎣ 2 4⎦ ⎝ 4 ⎠
1 ⎡ 3 ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎤ 1 ⎡3 5⎤ 1 ⎡8⎤
L.H.S. = − ⎢ − ⎜ ⎟⎥ = − ⎢ + ⎥ = −⎢ ⎥
2 ⎣ 4 ⎝ 4 ⎠⎦ 2 ⎣4 4⎦ 2 ⎣4⎦
1 1 − 4 −3
= −2 = =
2 2 2
⎛ 1 3 ⎞ ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎛ 1 × 2 − 3 ⎞ 5 ⎛ −1 ⎞ 5
R.H.S. = ⎜ − ⎟ − ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟+ =⎜ ⎟+
⎝2 4⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠ 4 ⎝ 4 ⎠ 4
−1 + 5 4
= = =1
4 4
1 ⎡ 3 ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎤ ⎛ 1 3 ⎞ ⎛ −5 ⎞
∴ − −⎜ ⎟ ≠ ⎜ − ⎟ −⎜ ⎟
2 ⎢⎣ 4 ⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎥⎦ ⎝ 2 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠
L.H.S. ≠ R.H.S.
We find subtraction is not associative in the set of rational numbers. That is a - (b - c) ≠ (a - b) - c for any
three rational numbers a, b, c.

(c) Multiplication

2 4 −5
Take three rational numbers , ,
3 7 7
2 ⎡ 4 ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎤ ⎛ 2 4 ⎞ ⎛ −5 ⎞
Is × ⎢ × ⎜ ⎟⎥ = ⎜ × ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟ ?
3 ⎣ 7 ⎝ 7 ⎠⎦ ⎝ 3 7 ⎠ ⎝ 7 ⎠
2 ⎡ 4 ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎤ 2 ⎡ −20 ⎤ −40
L.H.S = × ⎢ × ⎜ ⎟⎥ = =
3 ⎣ 7 ⎝ 7 ⎠⎦ 3 ⎣⎢ 49 ⎦⎥ 147

⎛ 2 4 ⎞ ⎛ −5 ⎞ ⎛ 8 ⎞ ⎛ −5 ⎞ −40
R.H.S = ⎜ × ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝ 3 7 ⎠ ⎝ 7 ⎠ ⎝ 21 ⎠ ⎝ 7 ⎠ 147
L.H.S = R.H.S

14 Rational Numbers
 Check the following.
⎛1 ⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
Find 2 × ⎜ × 3⎟ and ⎜ 2 × ⎟ × 3
⎝2 ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

⎛1 ⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
Is 2 × ⎜ × 3⎟ = ⎜ 2 × ⎟ × 3 ?
⎝2 ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

5 ⎛3 7⎞ ⎛5 3 ⎞ 7
Find × ⎜ × ⎟ and ⎜ × ⎟ ×
3 ⎝7 5⎠ ⎝3 7 ⎠ 5

5 ⎛3 7⎞
Is × ⎜ × ⎟ = ⎛5 × 3 ⎞ ×7 ?
3 ⎝7 5⎠ ⎜ ⎟
⎝3 7 ⎠ 5

We can find in all the above cases L.H.S = R.H.S

Thus multiplication is associative in rational numbers

a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c for any three rational numbers a, b, c.

i.e., ∀ a, b, c ∈ Q, a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c

(d) Division

2 3 1
Take any three rational numbers , and
3 4 7

2 ⎛3 1⎞ ⎛2 3⎞ 1
Is ÷⎜ ÷ ⎟=⎜ ÷ ⎟ ÷ ?
3 ⎝4 7⎠ ⎝3 4⎠ 7

2 ⎛3 1⎞ 2 ⎛ 3 7⎞ 2 21 2 4 8
L.H.S. = ÷⎜ ÷ ⎟ = ÷⎜ × ⎟⎠ = ÷ = × =
3 ⎝4 7⎠ 3 ⎝ 4 1 3 4 3 21 63

⎛ 2 3 ⎞ 1 ⎛ 2 4 ⎞ 1 ⎛ 8 ⎞ 1 8 7 56
R.H.S. = ⎜ ÷ ⎟ ÷ = ⎜ × ⎟ ÷ = ⎜ ⎟ ÷ = × =
⎝3 4⎠ 7 ⎝3 3⎠ 7 ⎝ 9⎠ 7 9 1 9

2 ⎛3 1⎞ ⎛2 3⎞ 1
÷ ⎜ ÷ ⎟ ≠⎜ ÷ ⎟ ÷
3 ⎝4 7⎠ ⎝3 4⎠ 7

L.H.S. ≠ R.H.S.

Thus a ÷ ( b ÷ c ) ≠ ( a ÷ b ) ÷ c for any three rational numbers a, b, c.

So, division is not associative in rational numbers.

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 15

 Do This

Complete the following table

Associative under
Numbers
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division
Natural numbers Yes No ..... .....
Whole numbers ..... ..... ..... No
Integers ..... No Yes .....
Rational numbers ..... ..... ..... .....

1.2.4 The Role of Zero

1 1
Can you find a number, when it is added to gives the same number ?
2 2
When the number ‘0’ is added to any rational number, the rational number remains the same.
For example
1 + 0 = 1 and 0 + 1 = 1
−2 + 0 = −2 and 0 + (−2) = −2

1 1 1 1
+ 0 = and 0 + =
2 2 2 2
For this reason we call ‘0’ as an identity element of addition or “additive identity”.

If a represents any rational number then a + 0 = a and 0 + a = a

Does the set of natural numbers have additive identity ?

1.2.5 The Role of 1

Fill in the following blanks :

3× = 3 and × 3 = 3

-2 × = −2 and × −2 = −2

7 7 7 7
× = and × =
8 8 8 8
What observations have you made in the above multiplications?

16 Rational Numbers
You will find that when you multiply any rational number with ‘1’, you will get the same rational
number as the product.
We say that ‘1’ is the multiplicative identity for rational numbers
What is the multiplicative identity for integers and whole numbers?
We often use the identity properties without realizing that we are using them.

15
For example when we write in the simplest form we may do the following.
50

15 3× 5 3 5 3 3
= = × = ×1=
50 10 × 5 10 5 10 10

3 3
When we write that ×1 = . Here we used the identity property of multiplication.
10 10

1.2.6 Existence of Inverse

(i) Additive inverse:

3 + (−3) = 0 and −3 + 3 = 0
−5 + 5 = 0 and 5 + (−5) = ______

2 2
+? = 0 and ____ + = 0
3 3

⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
⎜⎝ − ⎟⎠ + ? = 0 and ? + ⎜⎝ − ⎟⎠ = 0
2 2

Here −3 and 3 are called the additive inverses of each other because on adding them we
get the sum ‘0’ i.e. the additive identity. Any two numbers whose sum is ‘0’ are called the
additive inverses of each other.

−a) + a = 0. Then
−a) = 0 and (−
In general if a represents any rational number then a + (−
−a’ are additive inverse of each other.
‘a’, ‘−
The additive inverse of 0 is only 0 as 0 + 0 = 0.

(ii) Multiplicative inverse:

2
By which rational number is multiplied to get the product 1 ?
7
2 7 7 2
We can see × = 1 and × =1
7 2 2 7

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 17

Fill the boxes below.

2 × = 1 and ×2 = 1

−5 × = 1 and ×5 = 1

−17 −17
× = 1 and × = 1
19 19
1 × ? = 1
−1 × ? = 1

Any two numbers whose product is ‘1’ are called the multiplicative inverses of each other.
1 1 1
For example, 4 × = 1 and × 4 = 1 , therefore the numbers 4 and are the
4 4 4
multiplicative inverses (or the reciprocals ) of each other.
c
We say that a rational number is called the reciprocal or the multiplicative inverse of
d
a a c
another rational number if × =1
b b d

Think, Discuss and Write

1. If a property holds good with respect to addition for rational numbers, whether it
holds good for integers? And for whole numbers? Which one holds good and which
doesn’t hold good?
2. Write the numbers whose multiplicative inverses are the numbers themselves
3. Can you find the reciprocal of ‘0’ (zero)? Is there any rational number such that
when it is multiplied by ‘0’ gives ‘1’?

× 0= 1 and 0 × =1

1.3 Distributivity of multiplication over addition

2 1 3
Take three rational numbers , ,
5 2 4
2 ⎛1 3⎞ ⎛2⎞ ⎛1⎞ ⎛ 2⎞ ⎛ 3⎞
Let us verify whether ×⎜ + ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟
5 ⎝2 4⎠ ⎝5⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ ⎝5⎠ ⎝ 4⎠

18 Rational Numbers
 2 ⎛1 3 ⎞ 2 ⎛ 2 + 3 ⎞ 2 5 10 1
L.H.S = ×⎜ + ⎟ = × ⎜ ⎟= × = =
5 ⎝2 4 ⎠ 5 ⎝ 4 ⎠ 5 4 20 2

2 ⎛1⎞ 2 ⎛3⎞ 2 6 4 + 6 10 1
R.H.S = ×⎜ ⎟+ × ⎜ ⎟= + = = =
5 ⎝2⎠ 5 ⎝ 4 ⎠ 10 20 20 20 2
L.H.S = R.H.S

2 ⎛1 3⎞ ⎛2⎞ ⎛1⎞ ⎛ 2⎞ ⎛ 3⎞
Thus ×⎜ + ⎟ =⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟
5 ⎝2 4⎠ ⎝5⎠ ⎝2⎠ ⎝5⎠ ⎝ 4⎠
This property is called the distributive law of multiplication over addition.
Now verify the following. Try these: Find using distributivity
2 ⎛1 3⎞ 2 ⎛1⎞ 2 ⎛3⎞ ⎧ 7 ⎛ −3 ⎞ ⎫ ⎧7 9 ⎫
Is × ⎜ − ⎟ = × ⎜ ⎟− × ⎜ ⎟ (1) ⎨ × ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ + ⎨ × ⎬
5 ⎝2 4⎠ 5 ⎝2⎠ 5 ⎝4⎠ ⎩ 5 ⎝ 10 ⎠ ⎭ ⎩ 5 10 ⎭
What do you observe? Is L.H.S = R.H.S? ⎧9 ⎫ ⎧9 ⎫
(2) ⎨ × 3⎬ + ⎨ × ( −19 ) ⎬
This property is called the distributive law over ⎩16 ⎭ ⎩16 ⎭
subtraction.
Take some more rational numbers and verify the distributive property
For all rational numbers a, b and c
We can say-
a (b + c) = ab + ac
a (b − c) = ab – ac

Do These

Complete the following table.

Additive properties
Numbers
Closure Commutative Associative Existence Existence
of Identity of Inverse

Rational Numbers Yes —— —— —— ——

Integers Yes —— —— —— ——

Whole Numbers —— —— —— Yes No

Natural Numbers Yes —— —— —— ——

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 19

 Complete the following table.

Multiplicative properties
Numbers
Closure Commutative Associative Existence Existence
of Identity of Inverse
Rational Numbers Yes —— —— —— ——

Integers —— Yes —— —— ——

Whole Numbers —— —— Yes —— ——

Natural Numbers —— —— —— Yes ——

2 3 ⎛ −6 ⎞ ⎛ −13 ⎞
Example 1: Simplify + +⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
5 7 ⎝ 5⎠ ⎝ 7 ⎠
Solution: Rearrange the given fractions keeping like fractions together.
2 3 ⎛ −6 ⎞ ⎛ −13 ⎞ 2 3 6 13
+ +⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ = + − −
5 7 ⎝ 5⎠ ⎝ 7 ⎠ 5 7 5 7

⎛ 2 6 ⎞ ⎛ 3 13 ⎞
= ⎜⎝ − ⎟⎠ + ⎜⎝ − ⎟⎠ (by commutative law of addition)
5 5 7 7

2 − 6 3 − 13
= +
5 7
−4 −10 −4 10
= + = −
5 7 5 7
(−4 × 7) − (10 × 5) −28 − 50 −78
= = =
35 35 35
Example 2: Write the additive inverses of each of the following rational numbers.

2 −11 7 −2
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
7 5 −13 −3

2 −2
Solution : (i) The additive inverse of is
7 7

2 ⎛ −2 ⎞ 2 − 2
because +⎜ ⎟ = =0
7 ⎝ 7 ⎠ 7

20 Rational Numbers
 −11 ⎛ −11 ⎞ 11
(ii) The additive inverse of is − ⎜ ⎟=
5 ⎝ 5 ⎠ 5

7 −7
is − ⎛⎜
7 ⎞ 7
(iii) The additive inverse of ⎟ = =
−13 ⎝ −13 ⎠ −13 13

−2 ⎛ −/ 2 ⎞ 2
(iv) The additive inverse of is − ⎜ ⎟ = −
−3 ⎝ −/3 ⎠ 3

2 −1 23 1 3
Example 3 : Find × + − ×
5 9 180 9 4

2 −1 23 1 3 2 −1 1 3 23
Solution : × + − × = × − × +
5 9 180 9 4 5 9 9 4 180
(by the commutative law of addition)

2 ⎛ −1⎞ ⎛ −1 ⎞ 3 23
= × ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ × +
5 ⎝ 9 ⎠ ⎝ 9 ⎠ 4 180

−1 ⎛ 2 3 ⎞ 23
= ⎜ + ⎟+
9 ⎝ 5 4 ⎠ 180

1 ⎛ 8 + 15 ⎞ 23
= − ⎜ ⎟+ (by the distributive law)
9 ⎝ 20 ⎠ 180

1 ⎛ 23 ⎞ 23 −23 23
= − ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ + = + = 0 (by the additive inverse law)
9 20 180 180 180

−9 5
Example 4: Find the product of the reciprocals of , and add the additive inverse of
2 18
⎛ −4 ⎞
⎜ ⎟ to the product. What is the result?
⎝ 5 ⎠

−9 −2
Solution : The reciprocal of is
2 9

5 18
The reciprocal of is
18 5
2
−2 18 −4
Product of reciprocals = × =
9/ 5 5
1

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 21

 ⎛ −4 ⎞ 4
The additive inverse of ⎜ ⎟ is
⎝ 5 ⎠ 5

−4 4
Thus the product + the additive inverse = + = 0 (the additive Inverse property)
5 5

Exercise - 1.1

1. Name the property involved in the following examples

8 8 8 ⎛3 1⎞ ⎛ 3⎞ ⎛1⎞
(i) +0 = = 0+ (ii) 2 ⎜ + ⎟ = 2 ⎜ ⎟ + 2 ⎜ ⎟
5 5 5 ⎝5 2⎠ ⎝ 5⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

3 3 3 ⎛ −2 ⎞ −2 ⎛ −2 ⎞
(iii) ×1 = =1× (iv) ⎜ ⎟ × 1 = =1× ⎜ ⎟
7 7 7 ⎝ 5⎠ 5 ⎝ 5⎠

2 1 1 2 5 3 15
(v) + = + (vi) × =
5 3 3 5 2 7 14

1
(vii) 7a + (−7a) = 0 (viii) x× = 1 (x ≠ 0)
x
(ix) (2 ×.x) + (2 × 6) = 2 × (x + 6)
2. Write the additive and the multiplicative inverses of the following.

−3 7
(i) (ii) 1 (iii) 0 (iv) (v) −1
5 9
3. Fill in the blanks

⎛ −1 ⎞ ⎛ −12 ⎞ ⎛ −1 ⎞ −2 −2
(i) ⎜ ⎟ + ( _____ ) = ⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟ (ii) + ____ =
⎝ 17 ⎠ ⎝ 5 ⎠ ⎝ 17 ⎠ 3 3

9 ⎛5 6⎞ ⎛ 5⎞
(iii) 1 × _____ = (iv) −12 + ⎜ + ⎟ = ⎜ −12 + ⎟ + ( ____ )
11 ⎝6 7⎠ ⎝ 6⎠

( _____ ) × ⎛⎜
1 1⎞ ⎛ 3 1⎞ ⎛3 ⎞
(v) + ⎟=⎜ × ⎟ + ⎜ × ____ ⎟
⎝ 2 3⎠ ⎝ 4 2⎠ ⎝4 ⎠
−16 −16
(vi) + ____ =
7 7

22 Rational Numbers
 2 −5
4. Multiply by the reciprocal of
11 14
2 ⎛ 7⎞ 1 ⎛ 4⎞
5. Which properties can be used in computing × ⎜ 5 × ⎟ + × ⎜ 3× ⎟
5 ⎝ 6 ⎠ 3 ⎝ 11 ⎠
6. Verify the following and write the property used

⎛ 5 −1 ⎞ −3 5 ⎛ −1 −3 ⎞
⎜ + ⎟+ = +⎜ + ⎟
⎝4 2 ⎠ 2 4 ⎝ 2 2 ⎠

3 7 ⎛ −2 ⎞ ⎛ −2 ⎞
7. Evaluate + + ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ after rearrangement.
5 3 ⎝ 5 ⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠

8. Subtract
3 1 −32 −4
(i) from (ii) from 2 (iii) −7 from
4 3 13 7

−5 −3
9. What number should be added to so as to get ?
8 2

−5
10. The sum of two rational numbers is 8 If one of the numbers is find the other.
6
11. Is subtraction associative in rational numbers? Explain with an example.
12. Verify that – (–x) = x for
2 −13
(i) x = (ii) x =
15 17
13. Write-
(i) The set of numbers which do not have an additive identity
(ii) The rational number that does not have any reciprocal
(iii) The reciprocal of a negative rational number.

1.4 Representation of Rational numbers on Number line

Gayathri drew a number line and labelled some numbers on it.

1 2 3 4 5 6
What set of numbers are marked on the line?

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 23

Sujatha said “They are Natural numbers”. Paramesh said “They are rational numbers”
Whom do you agree with?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Which set of numbers are marked on the above line?

Are they whole numbers or rational numbers?

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Which set of numbers are marked on the above line?

Can you find any number between −5 and 3 on the above line?
Can you see any integers between 0 and 1 or −1 and 0 in the above line?

1 1 3
Numbers in the middle of 0 and 1 is ; in the middle of 1 and 2 is 1 = , in the
2 2 2
1 1 3
middle of 0 and −1 is − and in the middle of − 1 and −2 is −1 = − .
2 2 2
These above rational numbers can be represented on the number line as follows:

-2 −3 -1 −1 0 1 1 3 2
2 2 2 2

Example 5: Identify the rational numbers shown as A and B that are marked on the
following number line. A B

0 1
⎛ 7⎞
⎜⎝ = ⎟
7⎠
Any rational number can be
represented on the number line.
Solution: Here a unit, 0 to 1 is divided into 7 equal parts. Notice that in a rational number
A is representing 3 out of 7 parts. So, A the denominator tells the
3 5 number of equal parts in
represents and B represents . which the each unit has been
7 7
divided. The numerator tells
‘how many’ of these parts are
considered.

24 Rational Numbers
 5
Example 6: Represent on the number line.
8
Solution:
0 5 1
8 ⎛ 8⎞
5 ⎜= ⎟
is a proper fraction, it lies between 0 and 1. ⎝ 8⎠
8
So divide the number line between 0 and 1 into 8 equal parts.
5
Then mark 5th part (numerator) counting from 0 is the required rational
8
5
number .
8
29
Example 7: Represent on the number line.
6
29
Solution:
6

4 5
29 5 5
= 4 = 4 + . This lies between 4 and 5 on the number line
6 6 6
Divide the number line between 4 and 5 into 6 (denominator) equal parts.
Mark 5th part (numerator of rational part) counting from 4.
5 5 29
4+ =4 = .
6 6 6

Try These
Write the rational number for the points labelled with letters, on the
number line
A B C D E F
(i) 0 2 3 6 9
? ? ? ? ? ?
5 5 5 5 5
S R Q P
(ii)
−7 ? ? -1 ? −2 ? 0
4 4

Do This

13
(i) Represent − on the number line.
5

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 25

 1.5 Rational Number between Two Rational Numbers

Observe the following

The natural numbers between 1 and 5 are 2, 3, 4.
Are there any natural numbers between 1 and 2?
The integers between −4 and 3 are −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2.
Write the integers between −2 and –[Link] you find any?
We cannot find integers between any two successive integers.
But we can write rational numbers between any two successive integers.
Let us write the rational numbers between 2 and 3.
a+b
We know if a and b are any two rational numbers then (and it is also called the
2
2+3 5
mean of a and b) is a rational number between them. So = is a rational number
2 2
which lies exactly between 2 and 3.

5
Thus 2< < 3.
2 5
2 3
2
5 9
5 2+
Now the rational number between 2 and is 2 = 2 = 9 × 1 = 9.
2 2 2 2 2 4

9 5
Thus 2 < < <3
4 2 2 9 5 3
4 2

9 17
9 2+
4 = 4 17
Again the mean of 2, is =
4 2 2 8

2 17 9 5 3
8 4 2

17 9 5
So 2 < < < <3
8 4 2

In this way we can go on inserting rational numbers between any two numbers. Infact, there are
infinite number of rational numbers between any two given rational numbers.

26 Rational Numbers
Another Method :

5 9
Can you write hundred rational numbers between and in mean method?
10 10
You may feel difficult because of the lengthy process.
Here is another method for you.

5 6 7 8 9
We know that < < < <
10 10 10 10 10

5 6 7 8 9
10 10 10 10 10
5 9
Here we can write only three rational numbers between and .
10 10

5 50 9 90
But if we consider = and =
10 100 10 100

50 90
Now the rational numbers between and are
100 100

5 50 51 52 53 89 90 9
= < < < < ....... < < =
10 100 100 100 100 100 100 10

5 50 51 52 53 88 89 9 90
= =
10 100 100 100 100 100 100 10 100

5 9
Here we can write 39 rational numbers between and .
10 10
Similarly, when we consider
5 500 9 900
= and =
10 1000 10 1000
5 500 501 502 503 899 900 9
So = < < < <............. < < =
10 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10

5 500 501 502 503 897 898 899 900 9

=
10 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10

In this way we can go on inserting required number of rational numbers.

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 27

Example 8: Write any five rational numbers between −3 and 0.

30 0
Solution: −3 = − and 0 = so
10 10

29 28 27 2 1
− , − , − ,........., − , − lies between -3 and 0.
10 10 10 10 10
We can take any five of these.

Exercise - 1.2

1. Represent these numbers on the number line.

9 7
(i) (ii) −
7 5

2. Represent − 2 , 5 , −9 on the number line.

13 13 13

5
3. Write five rational numbers which are smaller than .
6
4. Find 12 rational numbers between -1 and 2.

2 3
5. Find a rational number between and .
3 4
[Hint : First write the rational numbers with equal denominators.]

3 5
6. Find ten rational numbers between − and
4 6

1.6 Decimal representation of Rational numbers

p
We know every rational number is in the form of where q ≠ 0 and p, q are integers. Let
q
us see how to express a rational number in decimal form.
To convert a rational number into decimal by division method.
25
Consider a rational number .
16

28 Rational Numbers
Step1: Divide the numerator by the denominator 16 25 (1
16
Step2: Continue the division till the remainder left is less than the divisor.
9

Step3: Put a decimal point in the dividend and at the end of the quotient.
16 25.0 (1.
Step4: Put a zero on the right of decimal point in the dividend as well as 16
right of the remainder. 90

Divide again just as whole numbers.

Step 5: Repeat step 4 till either the remainder is zero or

16 25.0000 (1.5625
requisite number of decimal places have been
16
obtained
90
80
25
Therefore = 1.5625 100
16
96
17
Consider 40
5
32
5 17.0 (3.4 80
15 80
20 0
20
0

17
Therefore = 3.4
5
1 13 8 1974
Try to express , , , in decimal form and write the values.
2 25 125 10
We observe that there are only finite number of digits in the decimal part of these decimal numbers.
Such decimals are known as terminating decimals.

Non terminating recurring decimals:

5
Consider the rational number
3
Government's Gift for Students' Progress 29
 By long division method we have 3 5.000 (1.666
3
20
5
Therefore = 1.666... 18
3
20
5 18
We write this as = 1.6 the bar on ‘6’ in the decimal part indicates it is
3 20
recurring. 18
We observe that in the above division the same remainder is repeating itself 2
and the digit 6 in the quotient is repeated.

1
Consider the rational number
7 7 10.00000000(0.14285714
7
By long division method
30
28
20
14
60
56
40
35
50
49
10
7
1 30
= 0.142857142857....
7 28
2
1
= 0.142857 . The bar on decimal part 142857 indicates that these digits are
7
repeating in the same order.
The above examples are illustrating the representation of rational numbers in the form of
non-terminating recurring decimals or we call them as non-terminating repeating decimals.
1 17 11 20
Try to express , , and in decimal form
3 6 9 19
1 17 11 20
= = = =
3 6 9 19

30 Rational Numbers
When we try to express some rational numbers in decimal form by division method, we find that
the division never comes to an [Link] is due to the reason that in the division process the
remainder starts repeating after a certain number of [Link] these cases in the quotient a digit or
set of digits repeats in the same order.
For example 0.33333------.= 0.3
0.12757575---------= 0.12 75

123.121121121121----------= 123.121

5.678888-----------= 5 .6 7 8 etc.
Such decimals are called non-terminating and repeating decimal or non-terminating recurring
decimals.
The set of digits which repeats in non-terminating recurring decimal is called period.
For example

In 0.3333 ...... = 0. 3 the period is 3

In 0.12757575 .... = 0.12 75 the period is 75

The number of digits in a period of non-terminating recurring decimal is called periodicity.
For example

The periodicity of 0. 3 is 1.

The periodicity of 0.12 75 is 2.

The period of 0.23143143143....... = _______ periodicity = _______
The period of 125.6788989 ......... = _______ periodicity = _______

Think, Discuss and Write

1. Express the following in decimal form.

7 3 23 5 17 22
(i) , , , , ,
5 4 10 3 6 7
(ii) Which of the above are terminating and which are non-terminating decimals?
(iii) Write the denominators of above rational numbers as the product of primes.
(iv) If the denominators of the above simplest rational numbers has no prime divisors
other than 2 and 5 what do you observe?

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 31

 1.7 Conversion of decimal form into rational form

1.7.1 Converting terminating decimal into rational form

Consider a decimal number 15.75
Find the number of places after the decimal point in the given number. In 15.75 there are 2
decimals places.

1575
Therefore 15.75 can be written as . Now
100
1575 1575  5 315  5 63
  
100 100  5 20  5 4
63
is the rational form of 15.75.
4
p
Example 9: Express each of the following decimals in the form
q
(i) 0.35 (ii) 8.005 (iii) 2.104
35
Solution: (i) Since 0.35 has two places after decimal point. It is written as 0.35 = .
100
35 35  5 7
Now, 0.35   
100 100  5 20
8005 8005  5 1601
(ii) 8.005   
1000 1000  5 200
2104 2104  4 526  2 263
(iii) 2.104    
1000 1000  4 250  2 125

1.7.2 Converting a non-terminating recurring decimal into rational form

Let us discuss the method of conversion by following example.

Example 10: Express each of the following decimal numbers in the rational form.

(i) 0.4 (ii) 0.54 (iii) 4.7

Solution (i): 0.4

Let x = 0.4
 x = 0.444 ... ----------------(i)
Here the periodicity of the decimal is one.

32 Rational Numbers
 So we multiply both sides of (i) by 10 and we get
10x = 4.44 .... ----------------(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii)
10 x = 4.444......
x = 0.444......
9x = 4.000......
4 Observe
x=
9 4
0.4 =
4 9
Hence 0.4 =
9 5
0.5 =
Solution (ii): 0.54 9

let x = 0.54 54
0.54 =
99
⇒ x = 0.545454.... ------------------ (i)
745
here the periodicity of the decimal is two. 0.745 =
999
So we multiply both sides of (i) by 100, we get
100x = 54.5454.... ------------------- (ii)
On subtracting (i) from (ii)
100x = 54.5454 ......
x = 0.5454 .....
99x = 54.0000......

54 54
x= . Hence 0.54 = .
99 99
Solution (iii) : 4.7
let x = 4.7
x = 4.777.... ---------------- (i)
here the periodicity of the decimal is one.
So multiply both sides of (i) by 10, we get
10x = 47.777.... ---------------- (ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii) we get
10x = 47.777 .....
x = 4.777 .....
9x = 43.000....

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 33

 43 43
x= Hence 4.7 = .
9 9
Alternative Method: 4.7 = 4 + 0.7
7
= 4+
9
9× 4 + 7
=
9
43
∴ 4.7 =
9

p
Example 11: Express the mixed recurring decimal 15.732 in form.
q

Solution : Let x = 15.732

x =15.7323232.... ---------------(i)
Since two digits 32 are repeating therefore
the periodicity of the above decimal is two.
So multiply (i) both sides by 100, we get
100 x = 1573.2323.... -------------(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get
100 x = 1573.232323....
x = 15.732323....
99 x = 1557.50000

1557.5 15575
x = =
99 990

15575
= 15.7 32 =
990

Think, Discuss and Write

Convert the decimals 0.9, 14.5 and 1.24 to rational form. Can you find any easy
method other than formal method?

34 Rational Numbers
 Exercise - 1.3

p
1. Express each of the following decimal in the form.
q
(i) 0.57 (ii) 0.176 (iii) 1.00001 (iv) 25.125

p
2. Express each of the following decimals in the rational form ( ).
q

(i) 0.9 (ii) 0.57 (iii) 0.729 (iv) 12.28

3. Find (x + y) ÷ (x − y) if
5 3 1 3
(i) x = , y = − (ii) x = , y =
2 4 4 2
13 12 13 1
4. Divide the sum of − and by the product of − and − .
5 7 7 2

2
5. If of a number exceeds 1 of the same number by 36. Find the number.
5 7
3 3
6. Two pieces of lengths 2 m and 3 m are cut off from a rope 11 m long. What is
5 10
the length of the remaining rope?

2 3
7. The cost of 7 meters of cloth is ` 12 . Find the cost per metre.
3 4

3 2
8. Find the area of a rectangular park which is 18 m long and 8 m broad.
5 3
33 11
9. What number should − be divided by to get − ?
16 4
10. If 36 trousers of equal sizes can be stitched with 64 meters of cloth. What is the
length of the cloth required for each trouser?

p
11. When the repeating decimal 0.363636 .... is written in simplest fractional form ,
q
find the value of p + q.

Government's Gift for Students' Progress 35

 What we have discussed

1. Rational numbers are closed under addition, subtraction and multiplication.

2. The addition and multiplications are
(i) Commutative for rational numbers
(ii) Associative for rational numbers
3. ‘0’ is the additive identity for rational numbers.
4. ‘1’ is the multiplicative identity for rational numbers.
5. A rational number and its additive inverse are opposite in their sign.
6. The multiplicative inverse of a rational number is its reciprocal.
7. Distributivity of rational numbers a,b and c,
a ( b + c ) = ab + ac and a ( b – c ) = ab – ac
8. Rational numbers can be represented on a number line
9. There are infinite rational numbers between any two given
rational numbers. The concept of mean help us to find rational
numbers between any two rational numbers.
10. The decimal representation of rational numbers is either in
the form of terminating decimal or non-terminating recurring
decimals.

Can you find?

Guess a formula for an. Use the subdivided unit square below to give a visual justification of
your conjecture.

1
4
1
1 2 1
1 16
8

1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Hint : a1 = , a2 = + , a3 = + + ......... an = + + .... + n
2 2 4 2 4 8 2 4 2
1 1 1
a1 = 1 − , a2 = 1 − , a3 = 1 − ......... then an = ?
2 4 8

36 Rational Numbers