A rational number is a number that can be written in the form [tex]\dfrac{p}{q},[/tex] where p and q are integers and q≠o.
An irrational number is a number that cannot be written as the ratio of two integers. Its decimal form does not stop and does not repeat.
The simpliest method we can use to determine whether a number is rational or irrational:
If the decimal form of a number
- stops or repeats, the number is rational.
- does not stop and does not repeat, the number is irrational.
Example:
- rational numbers: [tex]3,0,-4,\frac{3}{4}, 0.673,1.(2)=1.22222...,3.78(9)=3.789999...[/tex]
- irrational numbers: [tex]\pi, 0.123256008...[/tex]
