El

Real Number System

STRUCTURE
41 NUMBER SYSTEM
42 NATURAL N UMBERS (N)
43 ADDITION ON N
44 MULT IPLICATION ON N
45 ORDER RELATIONS ON N
46 THE IN TEGERS (I)
41 MODULO (M)
48 P RIME NUMBERS
49 RATIONAL NUMBERS (Q)
410 PROPERTIES OF Q
411 IR RATIONAL NUMBERS (RI)
412 REAL NUMBERS (R)
413 PROPERTIES OF REAL NUMBERS
414 MODULUS OF REAL NUMBERS
415 IM AGINARY NUMBERS
416 COMPLEX NUMBERS
Objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to understand:
• natural numbers, integers, rational n umbers, irrational numbers, real
nun hers im aginary/comp/es numbers.
• proper//es and operations of these numbers.
41 NUMBER SYSTEM
It is composed of various numbers, symbols or figures representing
numbers and certain rules governing operations on them The numbers
can be represented by { I, 2, 3,...), {I, 11, Ill, } or K, K* , K**, },
what is of importance is the nature and characteristic of these numbers,
whether they are capable of performing one or more operations of
addition, multiplication subtraction and division. It is because of this
that instead of attaching any undue i mportance to any system, e.g.,
decimal, binary, a good deal of importance is being attached to the pro-
perties of the system. It will at times be explained by symbols only. The
REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 93

conceptual clarity or the logic of the system is emphasised more and not
mere familiarity with the numbers. We initiate the number system by
natural numbers and then proceed on to other systems.
42 THE NATURAL NUMBERS (N)
The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4,..., which are used for counting, are natural
numbers, [hus while 618 is a natural number ; 0, —7, 132 and are not
natural numbers.
Italian mathematician Peano has given five postulates (axioms)
called Peano Postulates (P) as the properties of natural numbers. To
speak in the language of modern mathematics, we say let there be a non-
empty set N such that
• 1: 1 is natural number; 1 E N.
• II For each !ZEN, there exists a unique natural number n EN,
called the successor of ii, we can write it as (."+ I) also.
P III : For each nEN, we have ri or n- -! I.
P IV : If in, n E N and in then in =n.
Thus we have successors for each number.
P V : Any subset S of N is equal to N if
(i) IES
(ii) rnES rnES
By postulate V we reach any natural number starting with 1 and
counting concecutie successive numbers.
43. ADDITION ON N
The operation of addition on N can be defined as follows
(1) n+ 1 * for every nE N
(ii) n+in=(n+m) wherever n+m is defined.
This can be grasped be recollecting that 4±5 = (4+4)+1 •9. The
basic laws of addition composition are
A1. Closure Law.
For in, nEN,ni+nEN
A2. Commutative Law.
m+n==n+n1in, nEN
A3. Associative Law.
m+(n+p)(m+n)+pvm, 'z,pEN
A4. Cancellation Law.
' m=n ln,.n,pEN
44. MULTIPLICATION ON N
The operation of multiplication on N is defined as follows
(1) a . I =n for every a EN
(ii) n • in =(n . in) +n whenever n . in is defined.
 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

This can be grasped if you recollect that 4 .

. 4)+4=20. The
basic laws governing niultiplicat ion composition are
M1. Closure Law. For all in, n E N; in . n E N, i.e., the product
of two natural numbers is also a natural number.
M2. Commutative Law. in n=n . in V in, nEN
M3. Associative Law.
(a. p)r=(pn . a). pvL in, n,pEN
M4. Cancellation Law.
in . p r
-n . p - in=n V in, n, pEN
M5. Existence of Identify. There exists an element I EN such that
in. I =nn= I . in V in EN
The laws governing multiplication and addition composition are
D 1 . Left Distributive Law.
in. (n4p)=rn .n+Pn .p V in, n,pEN
D3 . Right Distributive Law.
(a -+ p). in a. in ± p . in V in, a, PEN
4.5 ORDER RELATTONS ON N
There are two types of order relations in N viz., greater than (>)
and less than (<). The relation "a<b" is read as "a is less than b." It
can be stated also as "b>a" read as "b is greater than a."
Greater than (>). A natural number niEN is said to be greater
than a natural number nENif and only if there exists pEN such that
in = a
Smaller than (<). A natural number mEN is said to be lesser
than a natural number nEN (symbollically m<n) if there
such that rn-I--pr-n. existsp€N

The lows governing order relations are

Q1 . Trichotomy Law. Given any two natural numbers in and n
then one and only one of the following three possibilities hold.
(i) ?n=-n, (ii) m>n, (iii) m<n
Q2 Transitive Law
,n>n and n>p---- in>pV,n, n,pEN
Q 3 . Anti-symmetric Law
m> n and n> in n in v m, n E N
Q . Monotone Property of Addition,
m> n m+p>n+p Yin, n, pEN
Q . Monotone Property of Multiplication,
m>n= . mp>np V in, a, pEN

REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 95

Therefore the relation "less than or equal to" and "greater than or
equal to" and denoned as "" and i' > " respectively are defined as
(1) inn if,nr- n or m<fl
(ii) ,n'n if ?it =n or rnii>'n
PROOFS
Example 1. ,n+(n--p)r(m+n)±p Yni, n, PEN
Solution. Let us treat in and n as fixed natural numbers and put 1
for p which is the first element of natural numbers as per postulate I.
rn4-(n--i--l)=(rn-I-n)+l
Let us first take the L.H.S.
in±(n-l- l),n+n [addition rule (i)]
= (in In) [addition rule (ii)]
=(,n+n) I- I
Now, by placing kEN for p, we have ni-I-(n-1-k)--(,n+n)±k wLich
would mean that
in -f (ii + k*) = (in 4-n) + kt
Now nl+(fl+k*)=ni+(n+k)*
=[in 1 (ii +k)]*

= (in + n)
Thus the associative property in addition is proved.
Example 2. Prove that m+n=n+m for all in, nEN.
Solution. Let us treat n as a fixed natural number and take any
k E N such that
k+n=n+k
k+n=(k+1)+n=k+(1+n)
=k+(n+1)r=k+n*

=n+ft*
Thus if k*+n=n.{k* then k±n=n+k
which proves the commutative property of addition.
Example 3. Prove that
(n +p) . rn=n - rn+p. m, for all in, n, pEN
Solution. Let us take n and p as fixed and substitute 1 and then
k and k for in so that, we have
(n+p). l=n+p=n. l-l-p.i
Now if (n+p).k=rn.k+p k
then (n +p) . k'=n . k' -f-p . V.
 96 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Let us take the L.H.S.

(n -..p) . k*=(nfp) . k+(n-jp), (rule (ii) of multiplication]
=rn. k-+p . k-f-n+p
• k-I-(p . k-1-n)+p
• k+(n+p k)-i-p
=(n. k+n)-+(p . k-l-p)
k"--p k"
Hence (n +p) . rn=n . rn-F-p 'n. for all m, n pEN.
46. TIlE INTEGERS (I)
The integers are whole numbers positive, negative or zero. We can
also define them as ratios of two numbers which do not have a remainder.
On a number line they range between -- to and 0 to ± c . Thus ---IS
—207. 0, --9 are all integers but V7. 0392, —076 and 7. are not integers.
The set I x=0, XEN or ---xEN}
=-{..., —4, —3, --2, -1.0, 1,0,2,3, 4,...)
are called the set of integers. You ma y note
(i) The numbers - 1, —2, 3, - 4,...are negative integers.
(ii) The numbers +1, ±2, +3, -1-4,.. are positive integers.
They are generally written without any sign.
(iii) The number 0 is the only integer that has no sign.
Integers thus fulfil a gap of zero and negative numbers in natural
numbers. For example, the natural numbers do not provide answers to
(i) 0+ x = a (ii) a+x=y [when a>;]
for which we need a zero and a negative number respectively.
The operations of addition and multiplication on integers thus satisfy
all the properties of natural numbers with a modification in the cancella-
tion law as follows
Cancellation Law. If in .pn .p and if p:qe-0E1 then rn=n for all
ni, n e f.
The two additional properties for the opertion of addition are
A 5 . There exists an identity element OEI for the operation of
addition such that
n+00+n'n for every nEt
A5 . There exists an additive inverse ---nE I such that

48. PRIME NUMBERS (P)

An integer other than 0 or 1 is a prime number if and only if its
only divisors are 1 and the number itself. We can write
p;;6 0, - 1 whose divisors are ±1 and ± p only.
REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 97

Properties of prime numbers

(i) If p is prime and if is a factor of ab where a, be then p is a
factor of a or p is a factor b.
(ii) It p is a prime and if p is a divisor of the product of a. h. ....... r
of integers then p is a divisor of at lest one of these.
MODULO (m)
It is a positive integer often indicated by rn and defined by the
following expression
ab (mod ,n) where a, be
and in is a factor of (a -. h).
For example
(a) 25l (mod 4) siace 4 is a factor of of 24
(h) 89cl (mod 4) since 4 is a factor of 88
(c) 243 (mod 5) since S is not a factor of 21
(d) 244 (mod 5) since 5 is a factor of 20.
The concept of modulo helps in having residue classes in case of
operations on integers 1/(4) as follows

33 01 2 3 2 1
0 1 3
1
49 RATIONAL NUMBERS (Q)

The number which can be expressed in the form - where p is any

integer and q is a integer not equal to zero is called a rational number.
To state it formally
Time set Q=-{pfq : p, qEl and q--^601 is called the set of rational
numbers.
Thus 4 EQ, -5EQ, -
EQ, --- EQ, OEQ etc. It is also clear
that NC!, lc Q.

if P are two rational numbers so that p. r I and a sE N', we

have

(1)
q S qs

98 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(U) qs
q S

L
qr

and (iv) (Pn being a positive integer, q=AO.

An important characteristic of rational numbers is that when
expressed as decimal fractions they are either terminating or non-
terminating recurring decimals. For example.
T=
-=0.4 2.1875

I 666...(to be written as 016)

==0'27227... 027

-4'142057, 142057, 142057... =4142057

Conversely, we may show that any non-terminating recurring decimal

presents a rational number. For example
x=1344 or =l34
As the repeating cycle contains one digit, it should be multiplied by
.0 and then the original quantity be deducted from the new one as shown
below:
lOx=13.44...
x= 1.34...
10x x=-l2.1
-

9x= 12.1
12.1 121
x= — -- 90 a rational number
9 ---------,

However, if the repeating cycle is of two digits then the original

quantity will be multiplied by 100 in place of 10 above and so on.
10 PROPERTIES OF Q
We now indicate the properties of rational nun i bers,p/q=ra and
rc=b where p,q,r, sEl and q :^-'0 and s91-0 under various operations as
follows
I. Addition:
(1) Closure. If a and /, are rational numbers then a-I-h is one and
only one, i.e., it is a unique rational number.
(ii) Commudag ive. a+b=li-f a
 REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 99

(iii) Associative. (a+h) -j- c-'a+ (b+c)

(iv) Identity (zero), a+Oa=O -f a
(v) Inverse. For every rational number 'a' there is a rational
number ( - a) such that (j+( a) 0, --a is called the additive inverse
of a.
(vi) Ca ncellation. If a, h, c are rational numbers such that
c then a=b
11. Multiplication.
(i) Closure If a and b are any rational numbers then a X h or ab
is a unique rational number.
(ii) Connutavive, oh - ha
(iii) Asociative. (ab)c
(ic) IclefltIty (I). aX 1 1 Xa=a
(v) inverse. For every rational number a (7'0) there is a rational
number (I a) such that ax ( ---- ) -C- 1 hus, for every rational number a,

the multiplicative inverse is

(mi) Distribuli e. Only multiplication distributes over addition, i.e.
a(h+c)=ah+ac
(vii) Cancellation, If ac= hc, then a b if c7^=O.
Ill. Order Relatjor
If a=p/q, h=r/s
^j qr
(i) then a—h= R,
qs
We say that a=b or a>b or a<h according as ps—qrO, >°'
or <0, respectively,
(ii) If a>b and b>c then a>c.
(iii) If a>b then a+c>b+c
If a<b then a'+c<b+c.
(iv) If a>h, then ac>bc (c>0) and ac<bc (c<0).
N. Equality with Zero:
If ai= 0 then either a is zero or b is zero.
V. Density:

If a and h are distinct rational numbers then ---- is a rational

number lying between a and b. In other words,

a> ±>h

100 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

'I + b
or a< <1)

We can then say tlit there can be several intermediate rational

numbers between two different rational numbers stated as follows
a>a1>a2>a > a> I'
a<a 1 < a <a 3 < a4 < b
411 IRRATIONAL NUMBERS (Ri)
We can define an irrational number with the help of a rational
number. Now if there is a rational number a but there no rational
number 1, such that (/)' =u, then we write it as "n root of the equation
as the irrational number
If ",l a not equal to x, an integer, then it is called irrational number.
Or, the numbers which cannot he expressed in the form p / q. where
q#O and p, q are both integers, are called irrational numbers and are
denoted by l i.
Examples of such numbers are V5, "8, 2+ 15 etc. which are repre-
sented by non-terminating, non-recurring decimals as shown below
\/2 1.14.14...
i=3.1415 9...
,/7 =2. 64 575 1
,\/ 15=3.872983...
Example 8. Prove that s"2 is an irrational number.
Solution. If possible, let .,/2, be a rational number so that
/2=--, q:^60

and p and q are integers. Further suppose that p and q have no common
factors.

Now V2- 2=4-

i.e. P

P is even so that p is also even.

Let p=2rn
p2=4m

:. 4m2=2q2
q2 =2&

q2 is even, I. e., q is also even (2)
REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 101

From (I) and (2), we find that p and q are both even, i.e., they have
a common factor 2 which contradicts our assumption that p and q have no
common factors.
Hence it follows that /2 is not a rational number, i.e., '2 is an
irrational number.
4.12 THE REAL NUMBERS (R)
It comprises a set of all rational and irrational numbers. We gene-
rally denote this by R which will have either the rational numbers (Q) or
irrational numbers (R,) formally.
R={x :xEQUxER)
Now, in relation to natural numbers etc., we have
NCICQCR
Thus, natural numbers constitute a proper subset of integers and
the integers constitute a proper subset of rational numbers and the latter
constitutes a proper subset of real numbers.
The positive and negative real numbers are shown by R+ and R
respectivel y and the non-negative real numbers by R 0 as in the case of
integers and rational numbers given earlier
real
A number system is a complete order field with zero, minus
infinity, and plus infinity including their infinitesimal parts, with the excep-
tion of imaginary numbers singly or along with real numbers called
the complex numbers. However, the real numbers are not divisible by
zero.
We can represent the order field of real numbers by the following
real line axis

-; -

The real numbers have been represented on XOX, called the real
number line. Any point on the left or right of the 0 axis represents real
numbers negative or positive respectively. It may be noted that distance
0F ±./2 is more than I and less than 2 and O p ' on the left of 0 axis is
equal to--12 is in between - I and —2. Thus, a real number Ituc can
accommodate both rational and irrational numbers.
413. PROPERTIES OF R
We summarise below the fundamental properties of the real numbers
to emphasize their basic importance which the students should remember.
102 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Let us take the set R of real numbers with a, b, cER and then detine the
two algebraic operations of addition and multiplication, i.e., '+' and
through the following properties.
I. Addition Operation:
A 1 . Closure Law. If a and h are any two real numbers, their sum
(a-f-b) is also a real number. This can be expressed symbolically as
u+bERa, hER
A3. Co,n pnulaiive Law. If a and F, are two real numbers, then
a+b ==b +a, Va, bER
A 1 . Associative Law. IS a, b, c are any there real numbers, then
(aj-b) 4- c =a+ (b+c)-a, h, cER
A4. Erictence of Identity. There exists a real number 0 (zero) such
that
a-j-0=a=04 aVaER
This real number '0' is known as additive identity and the property is
known as property of zero.
A5. Existence of ln,erse. For every real number a there exists
another real number h such that
a+b=0b+i
The real number b is called additive inverse of a and is usually written
as —a.
II. Multiplication Operation:
M1. Closure Law. If a and hare any two real numbers, their pro-
duct ab is also a real number. This can be expressed symbolically as
- [Link],bER
M2. Commutative Law.
a. b=b . a a, bER
M. Associative Law.
(a. b). c—a. (h . c)a, I,, cER
M4. Existence of Identity. There exists a real number 1 such that
a. l=a—l.a'aER
The real number 'I' is called multiplicative identity and the property
is called the property of 1.
M5. Existence of Inverse. Corresponding to each real number 'a'
(a-AO), there exists a real number ' /i ' such that
a.b=[Link]
b is called the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of a and is usually
1
written as _. . or a
RAI r'JIJMIMiR SYSTEM
103

III. Relation between the two Algebraic Operations

Distributive Laws. Multiplication is distributive over addit.
For any three real numbers a, b, CE R we have
a . (b±c)=a . i'+a. c
(1,-f-c) . a=b . a j-c . a
These are known as Right Distributive and Left Distributive laws
respectively.
IV. Order Relation
0, Trichotomy Law. If we are given two real numbers a, bET R.
then one and only one of the following three holds good
(i) a=b, (ii) a -> h, (iii) a<l,
2. Transitivity.
a>b and b>c - a>cva, 1', cER
3. Anti-symmetry.
a>b and b>a a=ba,bER
4. Order relation is compatible with addition.
a>I) a+c>b+ca, b, cER
O. Order relation is compatible with multiplication.
- a . c_>b . CU, b, CER
V. Density Property. Between two real numbers there lie infinite
number of real numbers. For any two distinct numbers a, hE R, there

is ''- such that

or b> - >a

We can also state this property as

a>aj>a2>aa...
b<a 1 <a2 <a.. .a<a
Some theorems based on above axiom:
Theorem 1. (Uniqueness of additive Identity). There exists one and
only one real number 0' such that
a 4-0=a=0-l-a " aE R
Proof. Let there be two additive identities of R say 0 and 0',
a+O =a and a+0'=aaER
We shall show that 0=0'
Since a+0=aaER, in particular for a=0' also, so that
(1)
104 BUS1NlSS MATHEMATICS

Again as a--O'= aaER, so it is true for a=0 also,

0+O'=O (2)
Thus O'=O'+O
(Commutative Law)
0
There is thus a unique additive identity 0 satisfying
a+0-a-0+aaER
Theorem 2. (Uniqueness of the additive inverse). For every real
number aE R there exists one and only one real number b such that
a + b0=h+a
Proof. Let us suppose that there exists two real numbers 5 and b1
for every real number a such that

and a+h'=0
We shall show that b=h'
Now h'=b'-F-O (Property of '0')
==b'+(a+b)
—(h' +a)-f-h (Asso, of +)
(Comm, of -F-)
=04-1) F'rperiv of 0')

Hence, there exists a unique additive inverse for every number.

Theorem 3. (Cancellation laws for Addition). If a, h and c are real
numbers then
a-j-h=a+c - b=c
Proof, a 4- ba -F -c (given)
By adding —a on both sides, we have
(- a) -F- (a + Li) = ( - a) -f- (a -f-c)
—a) + a)+h= [(—a) (Asso. of +)
O+b=0-4-c
h=c (Property of 0)
Theorem 4. (Uniqueness of multiplicative identity) There exists
one and only one real number 1 such that
a. 1 = 1 .aaER
proof. Let us suppose that there exists two real numbers, say, I
and 1 such that
a.l='a=l.a
a. 1'=a= I' a
Then we have to show that I = I'.


REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 105

Since a. 1 =a VaER, so in particular for a= 1' also, I.e.,

1' . I -I,
Again, as a I' =-a aE R so in particular it is true for a= 1 also,
I. e.,

Thus I -• 1' . I = I . l'= I

This shows that there is a unique multiplicative identity I satisfying
a.l=a=l .o'aER
Theorem S. (Uniqueness of multiplicative inverse). There exists one
and only one real iwmber b such that
a. b-.=I =h . a
Proof. Let there he two multiplicative inverses b and b', for a non
zero real number a, satistying
a .l,=Ih.a
and a . /j'== 1 =b' . a .. (2)
we shall show that b = I"
Now b'=b' . I (Property of '1')
(a . (using 1)
=(b' a) . (Assoc. of x)
(a . b) . b (Conirn, of X)
=1 . h
1)
Hence there is a unique multiplicative inverse for every non-zero real
number.
Theorem 6. (Cancellation Liiu's of multiplication), If a, I,, c be any
three real numbers, (/1er1
(1. b=-a . C b=c
Proof. Now a. h-=a. C
- (a . b) a' . (a . c) (Closure Law)
(a 1 . a) . b=-(a 1 . a) . c (by M3)
• b=l .c (by M5)
b=c (by Mj
Theorem 7. For any real nwther a,
• 0=0 a=0.
Proof, a . 0—a. (0+0) (Property of zero)
=a . 0+a. 0 (Distributive law)
a - 0-1-a. 0-=a . 0+0
—(a. O )1- a . 0+a - 0=-- (a. 0)+(a. 0+0)
[adding—(a . 0) to both sides]


106 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

[-(a.0)+a.O]-f-a.O=---(a.0)+(a 01-f0
0+a.O=04-O
a.0=0
Theorem S. If a and b are any two real numbers then
a . b= 0 a=0 or b=rO
Proof. We shall prove that for ab=0 at least one of them must be
zero
Two cases may arise
(i) ar=O , (ii) a:;x'-0
Case (i), If (1 = 0 then a . b=O is obvious.
Case (ii), If a?60, we shall show that b=O
Now ah=O
(ah)=a . 0
(a 1 . (1)b0
* l.b=0
b=O
Hence ab=0 = a=Oorb=0
Theorem 9. Für any two real numbers a and b
(/) a . (-h)=(a) h==-a . I,
(ii) (-a)( - b) = ab
Proof. (1) We have
O='a . O=a. (-b+h)=a. (-b)+a. b

or O+(-ab)=(j . ( -h)±a .
or -a. =a (-b) 1-[a . b+(-a . b)]
=-a. (-l')+O=a . (--b)
-a . h=a . (-b)
Again 0-0 . b (-a+o). b
=(-a). b+a. h

or O-I-(-- a. b)=(-a) . b +a. b-3-(-a. b)
-a. b=-(- a) . h +[ a . b+(-a. b)]
b
-a.b=(-a).b .(2)
From (I) and (2), we have
a. ( — b) r (_a) . h-a . h
(-b)=(-a) . (-b)-4-(-a) . b-(---a) . b
[-h+b]-(-a) .1'
=(-a). O--(-a) . b
b
REAL NuMnea SYSTEM

=—(--a). b
b—a . b-I-a , b
h4ab
ba. h
=a. b

414. Modulusof real number (i.e., the absolute numerical

value).
The modulus of a real number a is defined as the real number a,
—a, or 0 according as a is positive, negative or zero. We denote the
modulus of a real number a by the symbol I a I and define it by
a, if a is positive
---a, if a is negative
L 0, if is zero
Following live results are evident from the definition which are found
to be very useful.
I. The modulus of a real number is never negative, i.e.,
Ia
2. For every real number a,
acJaj and —a al
3 I a I —a
4. I a I denotes the greater of the two numbers a and —a, i.e.,
I a =max. (a, —a)
5. We may also define I a I by a single equation. Since the
positive root of a positive number is a positive number, it follows that w
may define I a I by
a I

Theorem 10. if a and b are any real numbers, then

(a) labI=taIJbI
=
(h)
I 7bl' (b --A

1 1
(c)

(d) Ia+bI<IaI+Ibl
(e) I (I — I) Ia - jh
Proof. We shall use the definition in the form
a
(a) I ab I =[(ah)9h/2=(asb2)11r(0)112 .
(1) ") 11 Ia . Ib
Remark. Putting a=—1, we obtain
 108 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

•
a
ria \21I1 f S\1/2
( 2) 1 3
a I Ia!
h Lb)ibs (hfbI
(c) In (h), put al and b=-a, we get
a
T - IaI
(d) I a+ b =[(a±h) 2 J iI2 =((j2 +2ab-1 b2)' 2
Since I a 2_ a 2 , I b b. and ab a I I b I, the above
equation yields
Ia-Fbi < 1 iai 2 l2aj lId -1- 1bI21112
= {( ! al + lbI )2 P'2 ' 1 ! -3- !bI
Thus !a+hI . 1a! ±Ibl
(c) We have a=(a -b)+-b
I a! I (a -h) 4-b! la - h I + I h
I a-h Ia I- IbI
Example 5, State if .c(otcmen( x>Jx 2 >J is true where x is a
real number.
Solution. No, the statement is not true x 2 >1 implies x>1 or
x< -- I.
4.15. IMAGINARY NUMBERS (i)
Square roots of negative numbers are called imaginary numbers
because. the square of any number is positive only. This OCCLI(S in sonic
quadratic equations and therefore has to be taken into account and
properly defined. For example
(i) i1x29=0 then x=±3 but
(ii) if x`+4=0 then x/-4
The (ii) above shows that x is equal to an imaginary number.
Further
x2-4x 1- 13==O
x2-4x+4+9=()

x-2=-k\/-9
X2d\/=9=231.
Now, the number of the form bi is an imaginary number where
1= l or i2 = V' - 1 x '/- -1. So that e can indicate an ima-
ginary number in real form as
•/9= \/-1 .
'V-9 = i • 3 or 31
121=V /- -1 \/l2l=1.1l orlli
In general


REAL NUMBER SYS1 EM
[09

416. COMPLEX NUMBERS (a -1-b)

11 a and h are real numbers then a-- lb is known as a complex
number which has a' the real part and 'If the imaginary part. Now
(I) If in the complex number a 1- 11, a -=0, the number 0-1 lb is an
imaginary number only.
(ii) If in the above a 1- ib, b-=O then the complex number reduces to
a purely real number a.
(iii) The two complex numbers a - 1!' and a - 1/; are called the
conjugates, e.g.,
2+31 and 2-31
(—\ ,'3) 1 -5i and (V 3)-5i
Addition and Sn/traction. In these operations vc add .uhtract
real part and imaginar y part separately, e.g.
(ad-ih) ±((, -id) =(ad-c)±i(b -F: d)
ifa!tip/icaiioa. This opertiofi is done in a normal way taking

such that
(a -i-ib) (c -id) (ac— bd) -)- ((ad 4 bc)
Let us elaborate
(a+ib) (c +- id) -ra(c . 1 . id) ih(c -i--id)
=ac ta(d+cibl-lbid
7G -1- iI'fd) -1- (aid-1- cifl)
=(ae — bd)-f- i (ad F be) {.. J2 ]

a + lb a + ib c - id
Division:------- = >(
c-i-id cfid c—md
(tic 4 . hd) ± i(hc - ad)
-- - 12d2
(IC 4- ld . --- ad
c2+d2

(1) Complex numbers obey the laws of algebra

j 2 jXj/_1 X V'— l== —I
i==iXi=(--1)i=-1
t 1 =(i 2 ) (i)=(--l) x(—_l)_= I

6=(j4) (j)(l) 1=1

(ii) If a+ib=O, where a , bER then a=0 and 17=0. This we can
prove as follow
if a-1-ih=() then a=-•--- lb
Squaring both sides, we have
a2 = = --
a2-1-L2O

lL BUSINESS MA7I1EMA7ICS

But a 2 -4--h2 cannot be equal to zero unless a and b both are equal to
zero.
(iii) SL: product of two conjugate numbers are real
(a -f i/) ia— th)=2 ci
(a ib) i) a2 i2b2=aZ4b2
(iv) If a-1 ii' c ic1 tben c and b=d.
We can prove this as follows
a + lb = c + Id
(a+ib)---(c -id)()
• (a - c) -1-i (b - d) 0 (See rule of subtraction)
a-- c- 0 and b d=0 See property (ii) above]
a- : c and h--d
110 ever, we cannot say in complex numbers that a given complex
number is greater than or lesser than any other complex number.
34-21
Example 6.
3+21 (3±21) (5-1- 31)
Solution.
--- (5--31)(5+3i)
(l5-6)+i (9+10)
25_912
9+191 9 19.
25+9 = 34+34
Example 7. Find the square root of 6-i-8./-1.
Solution. Let
z-=a 4 lb
6+8 i=(a2 — h 2 )+2 lab

ab=4 ...(jj)
16
and br-

Now substituting (iii) in (I), we have

a2 —
a4 -6 a2-16=0
or 8) (a'--2)=0
a2 =8 or a2=-2
Since a2 =-2 is inadmissible, a1 8. By substituting this in (iii)
above, we have b2=2.
V'6+8i+(V8+iV2)

REAL NUMBER SYSTEM Ill

Now, the square of arty complex uuinbcr is in the form of a complex

number.
We now present the various number s y stems in the form of a chart
Number System

Real Imaginary (1)

4.
I (Complex)
(C)
I (real and imaginary
4
Rational Irrational
(I?) (RI)
I on-iepcatIn? lon -tcriii:iiating, ralioii-it [)UFU1)e1-s]
I -3l4159......

Integers lrctioils
I) (F)
[ratios which do [ratios which leave a
not leave a remainder]
reminder 1
4
4.
Non-negative Negative Decimals Fractional
() I W)) I [terminating or
re pea tingj
Positive Zero Terminating Non-terminating
(J) (0) or i nfinite and
N4. non-repeating
atural (N)
Prime (F)

EXCERCISES
1. (a) State which of the following statements are true and which
ire false
(1) Every real number is a rational number.
(ii) Every irrational number is a real number.
(ill) A real number is either rational or irrational.
(it, )
There can be a real number which is both rational and
irrational.
(h) State the following in fractional form
(1) 12 (recurring decimal 1,2222...
112 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(ii) 1' 6 (recurring decimal 1 666

(c) State the following in decimal form or fractional form
(i) ../5
(ii) 5, 23
(iii) 1/7
2 State whether the following statements are true or fake. It the
statement is true, prove it; if you consider a statemnt to be false, give an
example in support of your answer
(i) Time product of two rational numbers is rational.
(ii) The sum of two irrational numbers is irrational.
(iii) The product of two odd integers is an odd integer.
(iv) x<Zy x<y2.
(v) For any real number x, we can rind a real number y such that
xj , -= I
(vi) If x is rational and y is irrational then xy is irrational.
(vii) It' x>O then x>x.
3. (1) Show that the sum of two rational numbers is a rational
nunibcc,
(ii) Give an example to show that the quotient of natural numbers
need not be a natural number.
(iii) Give two integers whose quotient is not a rational number
(iv) Show that there is no rational number whose square is 2.
4. Define a rational number.
Show that /3 and /7 are not rational numbers,
5. State if the following statements are true
(I) a>h and c>O then acT>bc
(ii) ab and then a==b
a>b then a=b+c if c is some possible number,
(iv) II a<b then a<

() If a>O and b>O then a2 >b1 in all cases.

(vi)''ad<hc

6. Prove that
E Q, —(x+y)=(—x)+( - y)
V X. y
—x x
7. Show that
-U- ='-, (yOO)
V

REAL NUMBER SYSTEM 113

8. Show that .Z(z-7-1 O) xy

(ay -I-hx)_,
9. Show that - + - if x?! O, y;40
10. (1) Multiply 4--3i by 5+71
(ii) Simplify and show if
3+2i 3 -21
+ 2±51 si a rational number
2 5j
9.-7i
(in) Simplify

ANSWERS
(a) (i) False, (ii) True, (iii) True, (iv) False.
II .. 5
(/,) (n) -- (ii)
-
(c) (i) 2.23607...(i:) (Ui) 0.142857

r pr
2. (n) True, ---p -- - -
q S qs
(ii) False, (p+Vq)+(p—\/q)=2p, rational number
(iii) True, (n-I-i). (ni+ I) rim ii -f,: 1-1 (n, n being even numbers)
(iv) False, -- 1<1 but ( -- ) (I)
(v) False. if y=O then xy/l
(vi) True, -/ 2 V4 /8 which is irrational.
(vii) False, 4>0 but (4)2 I.
3. (i) Closure property
(ii) ----- [n is a natural number]
n-I-I

(iii) 2 fq=01 (iv) I <v" 2<2

4, See text.
S. (i) to (iii) are true, (iv) is true if a>b,
(v) is true if a>b, (vi) is true.
10. (i) 41+ 131, (ii) - 29' ((11)