RATIONAL NUMBER

CONTENTS (ii) Zero is a rational number because

 Definition
 Equality of Rational numbers (iii) Every integer is a rational number, but every
 Comparison of Rational numbers
rational number may not be an integer.

 Representation of Rational numbers on For example, etc. are

Number line
all rationals, but rationals like etc.
 Rational numbers between two given
are not integers.
rational numbers
(iv) Rational numbers can be positive and
 Operation on Rational numbers negative.
 Multiplication of Rational numbers on Eg : etc. are positive
a number line
rational numbers

& etc. are negative

rational numbers.
A rational number is a number of the form ,
(v) Every positive rational number is greater than
where p, q are integers and q  0. zero.
p is called numerator (Nr) and q is called (vi) Every negative rational number is less than
denominator (Dr) zero.
 Results (vii) Every positive rational number is greater
than every negative rational number.
Since every number is divisible by 1, we can say
that : (viii) Every negative rational number is smaller
than every positive rational number.
(i) Every natural number is a rational number,
but every rational number need not be a EXAMPLES 
natural number.
Ex.1 Write down the numerator of each of the
For example, 3 = ,5= ,9= and so on. following. Also find which is positive and
negative rational number.

but, are rational numbers but not (i) (ii)

natural numbers.
(iii)
Sol. (i) We have in which numerator is –1. It is Ex.4 Write in an equivalent form so that the
a positive rational number. numerator is equal to –56.
(ii) Numerator is –3 and negative rational Sol. Multiplying both the numerator and
number.
denominator of by –28, we have
(iii) Numerator is 7 and negative rational number.
Ex.2 Write the denominator of each of the
following rational numbers :

(i) (ii) (iii)  Lowest Form of a Rational Number

A rational number is said to be in lowest form if
Sol. Denominator are 3, –2, 4 respectively. the numerator and the denominator have no
common factor other than 1.
 Equivalent Rational Numbers
EXAMPLE 
 Rational no. can be written with different Nr
and Dr. Ex.5 Write the following rational numbers in the
lowest form :
Eg :  is same as
(i) (ii)

Sol. (i) Here, HCF of 36 and 180 is 36, therefore, we

divide the numerator and denominator of
is same as
by 36, we have

is same as
So, the lowest form of is

(ii) Here, HCF of 64 and 256 is 64.

Such rational number that are equal to each other
are said to be equivalent to each other. Dividing the numerator and denominator of
by 64, we have
EXAMPLES 

Ex.3 Express as a rational number with

numerator –15.
Sol. By multiplying both the numerator and So, the lowest form of is

denominator of by 3,  Standard Form of a Rational Number

A rational number is said to be in its standard

we get,
form if
Therefore, the required rational number (i) its denominator ‘q’ is positive
is . (ii) the numerator and denominator have no
common factor other than 1.
 For example : , etc. Sol. (i) Given that, by cross multiplication,
we get
(–1) × x = 5 × 8
EXAMPLES  x = 40

Ex.6 Write the rational number with a

Multiplying both sides by (–1), we get
positive denominator. (–x) × (–1) = 40 × (–1)
x = –40.
Sol.
(ii) Given that = 2 or by cross
which is the required answer.
multiplication, we get
Ex.7 Express the rational number in standard
–48 × 1 = 2 × x or
form.

Sol. The given rational number is .

1. Its denominator is negative. Multiply Method-1 : If two or more rational numbers have
both the numerator and denominator by – the same standard form, we say that the given
1 to change it to positive, i.e., rational numbers are equal.

Ex.10 Are the rational numbers and

equal?
2. The greatest common divisor of 14 and
Sol. We first express these given rational numbers
21 is 7. Dividing both numerator and
in the standard form.
denominator by 7, we have
The first rational number is

(i) Multiplying both the numerator and

Which is the required answer. denominator by –1.

Ex.8 Express in the standard form :

We have,
Sol. To change in the lowest form, divide both
(ii) Dividing both the numerator and
numerator and denominator by g.c.d. of 144
denominator by the greatest common
and 504 i.e., 72
divisor of 8 and 12, which is 4.
, which is the required
We have,
answer.
Ex.9 Find x such that : Again, the second rational number is

(i) (i) The denominator is positive.

(ii) Dividing both numerator and denominator
(ii) by the greatest common divisor of 50 and
75, which is 25.
 We have,

Clearly, both the rational numbers have

As (as 28 > 15)
the same standard form.

Therefore, 

Method-2 : In this method, to test the equality of

two rational numbers, say and , we use cross Quicker method of comparison of
multiplication in the following way :
and is that

if ad > bc.
Then a × d = b × c
as (7 × 8 > 6 × 5)
If a × d = b × c, we say that the two rational
numbers and are equal.
To compare two negative rational numbers, we
Ex.11 Check the equality of the rational numbers compare them ignoring their negative signs and
then reverse the order.
and .
For example,
Sol. The given rational numbers are
and
and .
we first compare and
By cross multiplication, we get
(–7) × (–9) = 21 × 3
( 9 × 3 < 13 × 5 27 < 65)
i.e., 63 = 63.
Clearly, both sides are same. Thus, we can and conclude that
say that
Note :
Every positive rational number is greater than
negative rational number.
 Comparing integers. There are two methods for
 Comparing fraction. We compare two unequal comparing the given integers.
fractions, each is written as another equal fraction (i) Represent the two integers by the points
so that both have the same denominators. Then (say A and B) on the number line. The point
the fraction with greater numerator is greater. to the right of the other represents the greater.
(ii) We write the integers in ascending order of
Example : To compare and , find the L.C.M. infinity many integers.
of 6 and 8 (it is 24) and …–5,–4,–3,–2,–1,0,+1,+2,+3,+4,+5,…
Clearly, every positive integer (+1, +2, +3, +4
etc.) is greater than every negative integer
(…–4, –3, –2, –1) and 0.
 Every non-negative integer i.e., whole The given rational numbers with positive
number (0, +1, +2, +3, +….) is greater than denominators are
every negative integer (…–3, –2, –1,…)

Let x and y be integers

and if x > y –x < – y. We now convert these numbers so that they
have common denominator.
e.g. 8 > 5 –8 < –5.
For this, we take the LCM of 10, 8 and 4.
The LCM is 40.
Therefore, we have
EXAMPLES 

Ex.12 Which of the two rational numbers and

is greater ?

Sol. The given rational numbers are and

Comparing the numerators of these numbers,
or and . we find that
–30 < –28 < –25.
Now, we write the rational numbers and Therefore, the ascending order is :

in the form of common denominator.

(multiplying by the or

denominator of ) or .

Again,

(multiplying by the denominator of ) We know that the natural numbers, whole

numbers and integers can be represented on a
number line. For representing an integer on a
Since, –48 < –45, we have number line, we draw a line and choose a point O
on it to represent ‘0’.
or
We can represent this point ‘O’ by any other
alphabet also. Then we mark points on the
or number line at equal distances on both sides of O.
Let A, B, C, D be the points on the right hand side
and A', B', C', D' be the points on the left of O as
Ex.13 Arrange the rational numbers
shown in the figure.
in ascending order.

Sol. The given rational numbers are :

The points on the left side of O, i.e., A', B', C', D',
etc. represent negative integers –1, –2, –3, –4
whereas, points on the right side of O, i.e., A, B,
C, D represent positive integers 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.
Clearly, the points A and A' representing the respectively.
integers 1 and –1 respectively are on opposite
sides of O, but at equal distance from O. Same is
 by B and by E.
true for B and B' ; C and C' and other points on
the number line.
(1) Natural Numbers

(2) Whole Numbers (b) If Nr > Dr

EXAMPLES 

(3) Integers Ex.14 Represent and on number line.

Sol.

Negative numbers are in left side of zero (0)

& positive numbers are in right side.
 negative numbers are less than positive
numbers
 If we move on number line from right to Draw a line l and mark zero on it
left we are getting smaller numbers.
Also OA = distance of 1 from 0 and
OD = distance of –4 from 0
D'A = distance between –4 and 1. etc.
(4) Rational Numbers
Therefore, from O mark OA, AB, BC, CD
(a) If Nr < Dr : We divide line segment OA and DE to the right of O such that
(i.e. distance between 0 & 1) in equal
parts as denominator (Dr). OA = AB = BC = CD = DE = 1 unit.
Clearly,
Point A,B,C,D,E represents the Rational
numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively.
Eg : and =
Since we have to consider 4 complete units
 D is 3, so we divide OA in three
r and a part of the fifth unit, therefore divide
equal parts by points c and d. the fifth unit DE into 3 equal parts. Take 1
part out of these 3 parts. Then point P is the
representation of number on the number
 , and
line. Similarly, take 4 full unit lengths to the
left of 0 and divide the fifth unit D'E' into 3
Eg : and equal parts. Take 1 part out of these three
equal parts. Thus, P' represents the rational
 Dr is 7 we divide OA in 7 equal
parts by points B, C, D, E, F, G. So, these number .
points represent
 If x and y are any two rational numbers such that
Ex.15 Represent the rational number on the
x < y, then or that the rational
number line.
Sol. Let N is the point that represents the integer 7 number lies between x and y.
on the number line and is on the right hand
side of the point O. Divide the segment ON Note : There are countless rational numbers
into four (Denominator of ) equal parts between any two rational numbers between any
two distinct rational numbers, there is always a
(with the help of a ruler). Let A, B, C be the rational number.
points of division as shown in the figure.
EXAMPLES 
Ex.17 Write five rational numbers between

Then OA = AB = BC = CN. and

Therefore, the point A represents the rational

Sol. To find five rational numbers between and
number Similarly, can be
represented on the number line on the left take higher common multiple of 2 and 3
hand side of ‘O’.
Ex.16 Draw the number line and represent the that is 36 then and
following rational numbers on it.
So five rational numbers
(i) (ii)
between and are and
Sol. (i) In order to represent on number line, we
first draw a number line and mark the point O
on it representing ‘0’ (zero), we find the point Ex.18 Write three more numbers in the following
P on the number line representing the positive pattern :
integer 3 as shown in figure.

Now divide the segment OP into 8 equal Sol.

parts. Let A and B be points of division so
that
OA = AB = BC = CD = DE = EF = FG = GP.
Thus, we observe a pattern in these numbers.
By construction, OA is of OP. Therefore,
The other numbers would be

A represents the rational number .

(ii)

Ex.19 Name the rational numbers denoted by

A, B, C, D.
 are etc.

(iii) Rational numbers equivalent to :

Sol. A –3 , B –1, C 2 , D –2. are etc.

(iv) Rational numbers equivalent to :

Ex.20 Represent on number line.
are etc.
Sol. We can write,
Ex.24 Fill in the blank boxes with the correct
symbol out of >, < or =

(i) (ii)

(iii)

Ex.21 Identify the positive and negative rational

numbers : Sol. (i) (ii)

(iii)

Sol. Negative rational numbers

Ex.25 Write two rational numbers between and .
=

Sol. Two rational numbers between and

Positive rational numbers = .

Means two rational numbers between

Ex.22 Reduce in standard form.
Means two rational numbers between

Sol.

( H.C.F. of 2 and 16 = i.e., (any two)

2) Ex.26 Write the following rational numbers in

ascending and descending order :

.
(H.C.F. of 64 and 128 = 64)
Ex.23 Give two rational numbers equivalent to Sol. Ascending order :

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Descending order :
Sol. (i) Rational numbers equivalent to :
Ex.27 Find a rational number between and
are etc.

(ii) Rational numbers equivalent to :

 There are four basic operations on rational
Sol. Given rational numbers are and numbers :
(i) Addition (ii) Subtraction
Then a rational number between and
(iii) Multiplication (iv) Division.
can be obtained by the following method : (i) Addition : If two rational numbers are to be
(Addition of two rational numbers) ÷ 2 added, we first express each one of them as
rational number with positive denominator.
There are two possibilities :
(1) Either they have same denominators, or
= (2) They have different denominators.
 Rational Numbers with Same Denominator
So, the rational number between
Let us add and
and is .
Represent the numbers on the number line.
Ex.28 Find a rational number between and

.
Here, the distance between two consecutive points
Sol. (Addition of two rational numbers) ÷ 2
is . For , move 6 steps to the left of and

we reach at .
[LCM of 6 and 7 is 42]
So,
= =

EXAMPLES 

Ex.30 Add : and .

Therefore, a rational number between

Sol. Given rational numbers are and .

and is
Adding these two numbers, we have
Ex.29 Find ten rational numbers between
and .

Sol. We know that

–3 < –2 < –1 < 0 < 1 < 2 < 3 < 4 < 5 < 6 < 7 < 8 Which is the required answer.
This gives us 10 integers between –3 and 8.
Ex.31 Add : and
So, , ,0, , , , , , ,
are the ten desired rational numbers. Sol. We first express as a rational number
with positive denominator.
 We have, Sol. We have, 3 which can be written as

Multiplying both the numerator and

Now,
denominator of by 10,
[since (+) × (–) = –]
we get
=

Therefore,
 Addition of Rational numbers with Different
Denominators
=
In this case, we convert the given rational
numbers to a common denominator and then Which is the required answer.
add.
Ex.34 Simplify :
Ex.32 Add and .

Sol.
Sol. The given rational numbers are and
. Clearly, they have different denominators. =
Here, first we express the given rational
numbers into standard forms.
(changing them to same denominator)
i.e.,

=
And,
Ex.35 Add and .
Now,
Sol.
Converting to the same denominators, we
have

In case, if denominator of the rational

number is negative, first we make it
(denominator) Positive and then add.
And
Ex.36 Add : and .

So,
Sol.

=
Ex.37 Find the sum of and
Which is the required answer.
Sol. LCM of 5 and 3 is 15.
Ex.33 Add :
  Ex.39 Find value of

So,
Sol. additive inverse of

Note : Addition of rational numbers is closure =

(the sum is also rational) commutative (a + b = b
+ a) and associative(a + (b + c)) = ((a + b) + c) =
 Additive inverse
The negative of a rational number is called Ex.40 Subtract from .
additive inverse of the given number.
Rational number Additive inverse
Sol. The given rational numbers are and

Therefore,

Note : Zero is the only rational no. which is its =

even negative or inverse.
(ii) Subtraction : If we add the additive inverse
Ex.41 Simplify :
of a rational number and other rational
number then this is called subtraction of two
rational numbers. So the subtraction is Sol. We have,
inverse process of addition and the term add
the negative of use for subtraction.

EXAMPLES 

Ex.38 Find value of = [LCM of 6, 5, 15 is

30]
Sol. + additive inverse of .
=
=
Ex.42 What number should be added to so that

=
the sum is ?

=
Sol. The number will be obtained by subtracting
from

Therefore, required number is .

So,
(iii) Multiplication :

= (a) Let and c are two rational numbers, then

Therefore, required number is

Ex.43 What number should be subtracted from Eg : Find product of and 9.

so as to get ? =

Sol. We have, difference of the given number and (b) When we multiply two rational numbers :
the required number =
i.e.,

Given number =
e.g., .

Therefore, (i) On multiplying two rational numbers, we

get result as a rational number.
=
e.g.,

Therefore, required number is (closure property)

(ii) (commutative i.e., on

Ex.44 The sum of two rational numbers is If
changing the order the result remains
same)
one of them is Find the other.

(iii) (associative)
Sol. Given, sum of the numbers =
(iv) If 0 is multiplied to any rational number,
the result is always zero.
One of the numbers =
e.g.,

(a)
The other number
= Sum of the numbers – One of the numbers
(b)
=
(iv) Division :

=
 (vi) Zero divided by any rational number is
(a) Let be a rational number then its reciprocal always equal to zero.

will be For example, ;

(i) The product of a rational number with its Note :

reciprocal is always 1.
(i) When a rational number (except zero) is
For example, divided by another rational number
(except 0) the quotient is always a
(a) (b) rational number. (closed under division)

(ii) Zero has no reciprocal as reciprocal of 0 i.e., is also rational

is (which is not defined) number.
(ii) Division of any rational number by itself
(iii) The reciprocal of a rational number is gives the quotient 1.
called the multiplicative inverse of
rational number.
For example,
(iv) 1 and –1 are the only rational numbers
which are their own reciprocal. (iii) When a rational number is divided by 1,
the quotient is a rational number itself.
Reciprocal of 1 = = 1.
For example,
Reciprocal of –1 = = –1.
EXAMPLES 
(v) Reciprocal of a (+ve) rational number is Ex.45 Find the sum :
(+ve) and reciprocal of (–ve) rational
number is (–ve).
(i) (ii)
To divide one rational number by other
rational numbers we multiply the rational
number by the reciprocal of the other i.e., (iii) (iv)

(v)
= × reciprocal of = =
Sol. (i) =
For example,

reciprocal of
(ii)

=
( LCM of 3 and 7 = 21)

=
 ( LCM of 24 and 36 = 72)
So, = = = .
=

Alternative Method :
(ii)

( LCM of 21 and 63 = 63)

= = =

(LCM of 3 and 7 = 21)

(iii)
= .
(LCM of 13 and 25 = 325)

(iii) = = =

(iv) (iv)

( LCM of 8 and 11 = 88)

= =
=
( LCM of 3 and 5 = 15)

= (v) ( LCM of 7 & 1 =

7)
(v)
=

= Ex.47 Find the product :

( LCM of 19 and 57 = 57) (i)

=
(ii)
Ex.46 Find :
(iii)
(i) (ii)

(iv)
(iii) (iv)

Sol. (i)
(v)

Sol. (i)
 (iv)
(ii) = =

So,
(iii) = =
(v)
(iv) =
=

Ex.48 Find the value of :

So,
(i)

Ex.49 Multiply :
(ii)

(i) by
(iii)

(ii) by
(iv)

Sol. (i) Multiplication of by

(v)

=
Sol. (i) =
Dividing both the numerator and denominator
by the greatest common divisor of 40 and 400
So, which is 40.

(ii) =

= (ii) Multiplication of by

So,

(iii) =

= =

So, Ex.50 Simplify :

Sol. We have,
 = =

=
This result reconfirms that the product of two
rational numbers is rational number whose
numerator is the product of the numerators of the
given rational numbers and the denominator is the
product of the denominators of the given
numbers.
Multiplication is closure (product is rational),
commutative (ab = ba) and associative
(a(bc) = (ab)c) for rational number.

The product of two rational numbers on the

number line can be calculated in the following
way.

When we multiply by 3 on a number line, it

means 3 jumps of to the left from zero. Now

we reach at Thus we find

i.e.,
 EXERCISE # 1
Q.1 Draw a number line to represent the Q.7 Draw the number line and represent the
following rational numbers : following rational numbers on it :

(i) (ii) (i) (ii)

(iii) (iv) (iii) (iv)

Q.2 Draw the number line and represent the Q.8 Give four rational numbers equivalent to
following rational numbers on it :
(i) (ii)
(i) (ii)
(iii) (iv)
(iii) (iv)
Q.9 Rewrite the following rational numbers in the
Q.3 The points A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H on the simplest form :
number line are such that ED = DC = CF and
(i) (ii)
GA = AB = BH. Name the rational numbers
represented by A, B, C and D.
(iii) (iv)

Q.10 Write the following rational numbers in

Q.4 Give four rational numbers equivalent to
ascending order :
(i) (ii) (iii)
(i) , , (ii) , ,

(iv) (v)
(iii) , ,

Q.5 List five rational numbers between

Q.11 Write the following rational numbers in
(i) –2 and 0 (ii) –3 and –2
descending order :
(iii) and (iv) and
(i) , , (ii) , ,

Q.6 Write three more rational numbers in each of

(iii) , ,
the following patterns :

(i) , , , ….. Q.12 Which is greater in each of the following :

(i) 0, (ii) ,0
(ii) , , , …..

(iii) , (iv) ,
(iii) , , , …...

(v) , (vi) ,
(iv) , , , , …..
Q.13 The product of two rational numbers is . (iv)

If one of the numbers is , find the other. (v)

(vi)
Q.14 By what number should we multiply so

Q.21 Verify :
that the product is ?
(i)

Q.15 By what number should we multiply ,

(ii)

so that the product is ?

Q.22 Divide :

Q.16 Find (x + y) ÷ (x – y) if : (i) by

(i) , (ii) ,
(ii) by

Q.17 Find the sum of the following rational

Q.23 Simplify :
numbers :

(i) and (ii) and (i)

(iii) (iv) and (ii)

Q.18 Subtract : Q.24 State true or false for each of the following :
(i) Addition of two rational numbers is also
(i) from (ii) from
a rational number.

(iii) from (iv) from (ii)

Q.19 Verify the following : (iii)

(i)
(iv) = meaningless

(ii)
(v)

Q.20 Multiply :
(vi)
(i) and
(vii)
(ii) and

(iii) and
 ANSWER KEY
3. A  ,

4. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

(v)

5. (i) (ii)

(iii) (iv) Any 5 rational number between to

6. (i) (ii) (iii) etc. (iv)

7. (i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

8. (i) (ii) etc. (iii) (iv)

9. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) 10. (i) (ii) (iii)

11. (i) (ii) (iii)

12. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

13. 14. 15.

16. (i) (ii)

17. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

18. (i) 0 (ii) (iii) (iv)

20. (i) (ii) (iii) –21 (iv) (v) –5 (vi)

22. (i) (ii)

23. (i) (ii)

24. (i) T (ii) F (iii) F (iv) F (v) F (vi) F (vii) T

EXERCISE # 2
Q.1 Write True (T) or False (F) for the following (iv) Every negative rational number is smaller
statements : than zero.

(i) is a fraction. Q.3 Which of the following statements are true

(T) or false (F) :
(ii) is equivalent to . (i) Every integer is a rational number.
(ii) Every rational number is an integer.
(iii) is a mixed number.
(iii) If is a rational number and m is an

(iv) is equivalent to .
integer, then .

(v) Rational number is in the lowest form,

(iv) If is a rational number and m is the

but is not in the lowest form. greatest common divisor of a and b, then

(vi) Equation 7x + 7 = 0 can be solved in .

integers.
(v) Two rational numbers with different
(vii) Equation 6x + 5 = 0 can be solved in a
numerators cannot be equal.
fraction.
(vi) The rational number lies on the right
(viii) is not a rational number.
of ‘0’ on the number line.
Q.2 Write ‘true’ (T) or ‘false’ (F) for each of the
(vii) The rational numbers and –1 lie
following :
on opposite sides of ‘0’ on the number
(i) The rational number lies to the left of
line.

the rational number . Q.4 Write True (T) or False (F) for the following
statements :
(ii) Zero is greater than every positive
rational number. (i) .
(iii) Every positive rational number is greater
than every negative rational number. (ii) .
 (iii) The negative of a negative rational
Q.11 Verify that, x + y = y + x for the following :
number is a positive rational number.
(iv) If x and y are two given rational numbers (i) ; (ii) ;
such that x > y, then (x – y) is always a
positive rational number.
(v) If x and y are two given rational numbers
such that x < y, then (x – y) is always a
negative rational number.

Q.5 Write the following rational numbers in the Q.12 Evaluate the following :
lowest form :
(i)
(i) (ii) (iii)
(ii)
Q.6 Write the rational number whose numerator
and denominator are given below :
Q.13 The sum of two rational numbers is –8. If one
(i) 1 and 64 (ii) –2 and –17
of the numbers is find the other
Q.7 Express the rational number with
number.
numerator :
(i) 8 (ii) –12 (iii) –20
Q.14 What number should be subtracted from so

Q.8 Express the rational number whose

as to get ?
denominator is :
(i) 7 (ii) –21
Q.15 Subtract from . Also subtract

Q.9 Express as rational number with

from and compare both the results.
denominator 5.

Q.10 Fill in the blanks by the correct symbols Q.16 The sum of two numbers is . If one of the
>, < or = :
numbers is , find the other number.
(i) (ii)

Q.17 What should be added to so as to get ?

(iii) (iv)

ANSWER KEY
1. (i) F (ii) F (iii) T (iv) T (v) F (vi) T (vii) F (viii) T
2. (i) F (ii) F (iii) T (iv) T 3. (i) T (ii) F (iii) T (iv) T (v) F (vi) F (vii) T
4. (i) F (ii) T (iii) T (iv) T (v) T 5. (i) (ii) (iii)

6. (i) (ii) 7.(i) (ii) (iii)

8. (i) (ii) 9.

10. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

12. (i) (ii) 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.