4-8 The Real Numbers

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Rational and
Irrational
Numbers
4-8 The Real Numbers

Rational and
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
Irrational Numbers
Essential Question
How do I distinguish between
rational and irrational
numbers?
4-8 The Real Numbers

Vocabulary
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

real number
irrational number
4-8 The Real Numbers
The set of real numbers is all numbers that can
be written on a number line. It consists of the set
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
of rational numbers and the set of irrational
numbers.
Real Numbers

Rational numbers Irrational numbers

Integers
Whole
numbers
4-8 The Real Numbers

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Recall that rational numbers can be written as
the quotient of two integers (a fraction) or as
either terminating or repeating decimals.

4 2
3 = 3.8 = 0.6 1.44 = 1.2
5 3
4-8 The Real Numbers
Irrational numbers can be written only as
decimals that do not terminate or repeat. They
Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
cannot be written as the quotient of two
integers. If a whole number is not a perfect
square, then its square root is an irrational
number. For example, 2 is not a perfect square,
so 2 is irrational.

Caution!
A repeating decimal may not appear to
repeat on a calculator, because
calculators show a finite number of digits.
4-8 The Real Numbers
Make a Venn Diagram that displays the following sets
of numbers:
Evaluating
Reals, Algebraic
Rationals, Irrationals, Expressions
Integers, Wholes, and
Naturals.

Rationals Reals
2 -2.65
Integers
-3 -19
3 Wholes
0 1
6 Irrationals
Naturals
4

1, 2, 3...
2
4-8 The Real Numbers
Additional Example 1: Classifying Real Numbers

Evaluating
Write Algebraic
all classifications Expressions
that apply to each number.

A. 5 5 is a whole number that is

not a perfect square.
irrational, real

B. –12.75 –12.75 is a terminating decimal.

rational, real

16 16 4
C. = =2
2 2 2
whole, integer, rational, real
4-8 The Real Numbers
Check It Out! Example 1

WriteEvaluating Algebraic
all classifications that applyExpressions
to each number.

A. 9 9 =3
whole, integer, rational, real

B. –35.9 –35.9 is a terminating decimal.

rational, real

81 81 9
C. = =3
3 3 3
whole, integer, rational, real
4-8 The Real Numbers

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

A fraction with a denominator of 0 is undefined
because you cannot divide by zero. So it is not a
number at all.
4-8 The Real Numbers
Additional Example 2: Determining the
Classification of All Numbers
Evaluating
State Algebraic
if each number Expressions
is rational, irrational,
or not a real number.
A. 21
irrational

0 0
B. =0
3 3
rational
4-8 The Real Numbers
Additional Example 2: Determining the
Classification of All Numbers
Evaluating
State Algebraic
if each number Expressions
is rational, irrational,
or not a real number.
C. 4
0
not a real number
4-8 The Real Numbers
Check It Out! Example 2

Evaluating
State Algebraic
if each number Expressions
is rational, irrational,
or not a real number.

A. 23 23 is a whole number that

is not a perfect square.

irrational
9
B.
0
undefined, so not a real number
4-8 The Real Numbers
Check It Out! Example 2

Evaluating
State Algebraic
if each number Expressions
is rational, irrational,
or not a real number.
64 8 8 64
C. =
81 9 9 81
rational