Access free live classes and tests on the app
Download
+
Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA
Login Join for Free
avtar
  • ProfileProfile
  • Settings Settings
  • Refer your friendsRefer your friends
  • Sign outSign out
  • Terms & conditions
  • •
  • Privacy policy
  • About
  • •
  • Careers
  • •
  • Blog

© 2023 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Watch Free Classes
    • Free courses
    • JEE Main 2024
    • JEE Main 2024 Live Paper Discussion
    • JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
    • JEE Main College Predictor 2024
    • Stream Predictor
    • JEE Main 2024 Free Mock Test
    • Study Materials
    • Notifications
    • JEE Advanced Syllabus
    • JEE Books
    • JEE Main Question Paper
    • JEE Coaching
    • Downloads
    • JEE Notes & Lectures
    • JEE Daily Videos
    • Difference Between
    • Full Forms
    • Important Formulas
    • Exam Tips
JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Rational and Irrational Numbers

Rational and Irrational Numbers

Decimal numbers are the most commonly used in mathematics in a number system. Various names are introduced based on the features shown by the numbers. Natural numbers start at 1 and go all the way up to infinity, whereas Whole numbers start at 0 and go all the way up to infinity.

Table of Content
  •  

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as a fraction (p/q) or as a ratio. This could be made up of the numerator (p) and denominator (q), where q is not zero. A whole number or an integer can be a rational number.

Rational numbers

Rational numbers are one of the most common types of numbers that we study in math after integers. These numbers are in the form   p/q, where p and q are integers and q is less than zero  q ≠ 0.

The set of rational numbers is denoted by the letter Q.. In other words, if a number can be expressed as a fraction with both the numerator and denominator being integers, it is a rational number.

Rational numbers Properties

Rational numbers have six qualities, which are mentioned below:

  • Closure Property of Rational Numbers

  • Commutative Property of Rational Numbers

  • Associative Property of Rational Numbers

  • Distributive Property of Rational Numbers

  • Multiplicative Property of Rational Numbers

  • Additive Property of Rational Numbers

How can you know if a number is rational?

To determine whether a given number is rational, we can see if it meets any of the following criteria:

  • The given number can be represented as a fraction of integers.

  • We can determine whether the number’s decimal expansion is terminating or non-terminating.

  • Whole numbers are all rational numbers.

Rational numbers examples

A rational number is one that can be written as a fraction with both the numerator and denominator being integers. 1/2, -3/4, 0.3 3/10, -0.7 or -7/10 , 14/99,0.141414 are some examples of rational numbers.

Irrational numbers

Real numbers that cannot be represented as a ratio are referred to as irrational numbers. Irrational numbers, on the other hand, are real numbers that are not rational.

The set of real numbers that cannot be written in the form of a fraction, p/q, where p and q are integers, is known as irrational numbers. The numerator q does not equal zero (q ≠ 0). Furthermore, the decimal expansion of an irrational integer is neither terminating nor repeated.

Irrational Numbers Properties

  • Non-terminating and non-recurring decimals makeup irrational numbers.

  • Only real numbers are used.

  • When you put an irrational and a rational number together, the result is just an irrational number. x+y = an irrational number is the outcome of an irrational number x plus a rational number y.

  • When an irrational number is multiplied by a nonzero rational number, the result is an irrational number. The product of an irrational number x with a rational number y is irrational.

How can you know if a number is irrational?

We know that irrational numbers are only real numbers that cannot be written as p/q, where p and q are integers and q is less than zero q ≠ 0. Irrational numbers are, for example,  √5 and √3 so on. The numbers that can be expressed in the form p/q, where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0, Rational numbers, on the other hand, are the opposite of irrational numbers.

Irrational Numbers examples

Irrational numbers are a collection of real numbers that can’t be stated as fractions or ratios. 

Ex: π, √2, e, √5

How are rational and irrational numbers used in real life

They are commonly used to split things among friends. For example, if four friends desire to divide a cake evenly among themselves, each friend will receive one-fourth of the cake, which is a rational number of 1/4.

In many aspects of life, irrational numbers are used. Irrational numbers are required for trigonometric ratios. The ratios are employed in a variety of height and distance measurements, as well, circles aren’t complete without π.

Conclusion

We’re looking into it. A rational number is one that can be written as a ratio of two numbers (p/q form). Irrational numbers are those that cannot be stated as a ratio of two numbers. The importance of rational and real numbers cannot be overstated. When you separate the rational from the reals, you get irrationals. But defining quality non-rational reals leaves irrational numbers with little to accomplish.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

Is it true that all integers are rational?

Ans. Yes, any number that can be stated as a fraction is a rational number. This definition encompasses all numbers....Read full

Describe the difference between rational and irrational numbers in your own words.

Ans. A rational number can be expressed as an exact fraction, whereas an irrational number cannot. Any whole number,...Read full

Is the number 0 a rational number?

Ans. Yes, because any integer may be divided by 0 and equal 0, this rational expression proves that 0 is a rational ...Read full

Is it possible that Infinity is irrational?

Ans. Infinity isn’t a rational number at all. Because it is undefined in terms of being an integer....Read full

Is it possible for decimals to be irrational numbers?

Ans. A decimal can be written as an irrational number, but not as a fraction. To the right of the decimal point, an ...Read full

Ans. Yes, any number that can be stated as a fraction is a rational number. This definition encompasses all numbers.

 

Ans. A rational number can be expressed as an exact fraction, whereas an irrational number cannot. Any whole number, fraction, or decimal that terminates or repeats is a rational number. Any number that cannot be converted into a fraction, or any number that does not satisfy the concept of a rational number, is an irrational number.

 

Ans. Yes, because any integer may be divided by 0 and equal 0, this rational expression proves that 0 is a rational number. When 0 is divided by a whole number, the outcome is infinity, as shown by the fraction r/s. Because it cannot be stated in fraction form, infinity is not an integer.

 

 

 

Ans. Infinity isn’t a rational number at all. Because it is undefined in terms of being an integer.

Ans. A decimal can be written as an irrational number, but not as a fraction. To the right of the decimal point, an irrational number has an infinite number of non-repeating digits.

 

Crack IIT JEE with Unacademy

Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from India’s best educators

  • Structured syllabus
  • Daily live classes
  • Ask doubts
  • Tests & practice
Learn more

Notifications

Get all the important information related to the JEE Exam including the process of application, important calendar dates, eligibility criteria, exam centers etc.

Allotment of Examination Centre
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria
JEE Advanced Exam Dates
JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2023
JEE Advanced Syllabus
JEE Application Fee
JEE Application Process
JEE Eligibility Criteria 2023
JEE Exam Language and Centres
JEE Exam Pattern – Check JEE Paper Pattern 2024
JEE Examination Scheme
JEE Main 2024 Admit Card (OUT) – Steps to Download Session 1 Hall Ticket
JEE Main Application Form
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2024
JEE Main Exam Dates
JEE Main Exam Pattern
JEE Main Highlights
JEE Main Paper Analysis
JEE Main Question Paper with Solutions and Answer Keys
JEE Main Result 2022 (Out)
JEE Main Revised Dates
JEE Marking Scheme
JEE Preparation Books 2024 – JEE Best Books (Mains and Advanced)
Online Applications for JEE (Main)-2022 Session 2
Reserved Seats
See all

Related articles

Learn more topics related to Mathematics
Zero Vector

A zero vector is defined as a line segment coincident with its beginning and ending points. Primary Keyword: Zero Vector

ZERO MATRIX

In this article, we will discuss about the zero matrix and it’s properties.

YARDS TO FEET

In this article we will discuss the conversion of yards into feet and feets to yard.

XVI Roman Numeral

In this article we are going to discuss XVI Roman Numerals and its origin.

See all
Access more than

10,505+ courses for IIT JEE

Get subscription

Trending Topics

  • JEE Main 2024
  • JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
  • JEE Main Mock Test 2024
  • JEE Main 2024 Admit Card
  • JEE Advanced Syllabus
  • JEE Preparation Books
  • JEE Notes
  • JEE Advanced Toppers
  • JEE Advanced 2022 Question Paper
  • JEE Advanced 2022 Answer Key
  • JEE Main Question Paper
  • JEE Main Answer key 2022
  • JEE Main Paper Analysis 2022
  • JEE Main Result
  • JEE Exam Pattern
  • JEE Main Eligibility
  • JEE College predictor
combat_iitjee

Related links

  • JEE Study Materials
  • CNG Full Form
  • Dimensional Formula of Pressure
  • Reimer Tiemann Reaction
  • Vector Triple Product
  • Swarts Reaction
  • Focal length of Convex Lens
  • Root mean square velocities
  • Fehling’s solution
testseries_iitjee
Predict your JEE Rank
.
Company Logo

Unacademy is India’s largest online learning platform. Download our apps to start learning


Starting your preparation?

Call us and we will answer all your questions about learning on Unacademy

Call +91 8585858585

Company
About usShikshodayaCareers
we're hiring
BlogsPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
Help & support
User GuidelinesSite MapRefund PolicyTakedown PolicyGrievance Redressal
Products
Learner appLearner appEducator appEducator appParent appParent app
Popular goals
IIT JEEUPSCSSCCSIR UGC NETNEET UG
Trending exams
GATECATCANTA UGC NETBank Exams
Study material
UPSC Study MaterialNEET UG Study MaterialCA Foundation Study MaterialJEE Study MaterialSSC Study Material

© 2026 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA

Share via

COPY