Rational Numbers
Unit 1 Lesson 7
Objectives
• Describe given rational numbers as fractions, decimals, or
percentages.
• Order rational numbers on a number line.
• Perform operations on rational numbers.
Fun Facts
The ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras believed
that all numbers were rational, but one of his students
Hippasus proved (using geometry, it is thought) that you
could not write the square root of 2 as a fraction, and so
it was irrational. But followers of Pythagoras could not
accept the existence of irrational numbers, and it is said
that Hippasus was drowned at sea as a punishment from
the gods!
Explore
Rational Numbers
Definition:
• Rational numbers can be written as a fraction where both the
numerator and the denominator are whole numbers, and the
denominator is not zero.
Examples:
• Fractions: 1/2, -3/4
• Decimals: 0.5, -0.75
• Percentages: 50%, -75%
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Rational Numbers on a Number Line
• Rational numbers can be placed on a number
line.
• Numbers to the left are smaller, and numbers
to the right are bigger.
Explore
Addition and Subtraction of Rational
Numbers
Explanation:
• Similar to adding or subtracting whole
numbers.
• For Fractions: Common denominator may be
needed.
Examples:
• 1/2 + 1/4 = 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4
• 3/5 - 1/5 = 2/5
Explore
Multiplication of Rational
Numbers
• Multiply the numerators together,
then the denominators together.
Example:
• 2/3 × 3/4 = 2×3 / 3×4 = 6/12 = 1/2
Explore
Division of Rational Numbers
• Flip the second fraction (reciprocal),
then multiply.
Example:
• 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6
Explore
Key Points
• Rational numbers can be fractions, decimals, or
percentages.
• Rational numbers can be ordered on a number line.
• Operations with rational numbers are similar to
operations with whole numbers but require special
attention to fractions.
Try This!
Solve these 2 problems. Please show your step-by-step solution. Take note of the LCD for
subtraction and the reciprocal for division.
Do
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is a rational number?
a. b. π c. 1.75 d. e
2. What is the decimal representation of ?
a. 0.2 b. 0.5 c. 0.02 d. 1.2
3. Which of the following is equal to 45%?
a. 0.45 b. c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B
4. Which option correctly describes 0.75 as a fraction?
a. b. c. d.
5. The number is the same as:
a. 0.6 b. 60 c. 60% d. 0.06
Do
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
6. 0.75 can also be represented as:
a. 75% b. 7.5% c. d. Both A and C
7. If Maria spent 25% of her money, which is equivalent to , how would you write
25% as a decimal?
a. 0.025 b. 0.25 c. 2.5 d. 25
8. If you add and , what do you get?
a. b. c. d.
9. Which of the following numbers is the smallest?
a. b. 0.5 c. -0.49 d. 0
10. Arrange these numbers from least to greatest: , 0.66,
a. , 0.66, b. 0.66, , c. , 0.66, d. 0.66, ,
Do
II. TRUE or FALSE: Write the T is the statement is true. Otherwise,
write F.
1. Any fraction can be converted to decimal.
2. There are 9 rational numbers in between 0 and 1.
3. Zero is a rational number.
4. Any decimal number can be converted into fraction.
III. Draw a number line to compare the 2 rational numbers.
• 2 and -4
• and
Do
IV. Perform the operations. Reduce to lowest terms.
Do
Answer Key
II. V.
I.
1. 15/17
1. c 1. T
2. 17/10
2. b 2. F 3. 7/6
3. c 3. T 4. 5 1/2
4. c 4. F 5. 11 2/5
5. c 6. 3/11
7. 1/8
6. d III. Drawings vary
8. 1/9
7. b 1. 2 > -4
9. 6 1/3
8. b 2. 1/3 < 5/3 10. 4 5/16
9. a 11. -2/7
10. c 12. -75/92
Brainstorm
Your teacher will assign you a partner. Use
the same rational numbers as the example
before. Work together to plot 20%, -1.4, and
on the number line but this time, convert
them first to fractions. After doing this
activity, discuss if it is easier to use fractions
or decimals for a number line.
Interactives
To learn more about this lesson, you
may visit TekTeach (Learning
Management System).