Rational Numbers

In Maths, a rational number is a type of real numbers, which is in the form of p/q where q is not equal to zero. Any fraction with non-zero denominators is a rational number. Some of the examples of rational number are 1/2, 1/5, 3/4, and so on. The number “0” is also a rational number, as we can represent it in many forms such as 0/1, 0/2, 0/3, etc. But, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, etc. are not rational, since they give us infinite values. Also, check irrational numbers here and compare them with rational numerals.

In this article, we will learn about what is a rational number, the properties of rational numbers along with its types, the difference between rational and irrational numbers, and solved examples. It helps to understand the concepts in a better way. Also, learn the various rational number examples and learn how to find rational numbers in a better way. To represent rational numbers on a number line, we need to simplify and write in the decimal form first.

What is a Rational Number?

A rational number, in Mathematics, can be defined as any number which can be represented in the form of p/q where q ≠ 0. Also, we can say that any fraction fits under the category of rational numbers, where the denominator and numerator are integers and the denominator is not equal to zero. When the rational number (i.e., fraction) is divided, the result will be in decimal form, which may be either terminating decimal or the repeating decimal.

How to identify rational numbers?

To identify if a number is rational or not, check the below conditions.

• It is represented in the form of p/q, where q≠0.
• The ratio p/q can be further simplified and represented in decimal form.

• Include positive, negative numbers, and zero
• Can be expressed as a fraction