/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 105 Describe the difference between ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Describe the difference between a rational number and an irrational number.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Rational numbers can be expressed as a ratio or fraction of two integers, whereas irrational numbers cannot be expressed as a ratio of two numbers and aren't exact fractions. Rational numbers either terminate or repeat in decimal form, while irrational numbers do not; their decimal expansions go on forever without repeating.

Step by step solution

01

Describe Rational Numbers

Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction \( p/q \) of two integers, with the denominator \( q \) not equal to zero. Since integers are also rational, we might say that a rational number is a number which can be represented in a ratio form.
02

Describe Irrational Numbers

Irrational numbers cannot be expressed as a ratio between two numbers and it is not an exact fraction. In other words, they cannot be written as \( p/q \) with \( p \) and \( q \) as integers and \( q \) not equal to zero. They are usually the result of non-repeating, non-terminating decimals.
03

Differentiate Between the Two

The fundamental difference between rational and irrational numbers is that rational numbers can be expressed as a fraction with integers in both the numerator and the denominator while irrational numbers cannot be expressed in such a way. Sometimes another main difference is that while rational numbers either terminate or repeat in decimal form, irrational numbers do neither; their decimal expansions continue without repeating indefinitely.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.