Difference b/w Rational and Irrational Numbers
In Mathematics , numbers are nothing more than the representation of values by means of symbols, words or figures. In general, they are used to define a particular quantity. They are also used to measure, label, and order things. Difference b/w Rational and Irrational Numbers
The numbers are infinite and can be categorized into different types according to certain characteristics, one of those categories is based on whether the numbers are rational or irrational.
If you have doubts about the difference between irrational numbers and rational numbers or are simply looking for a little more information to complement what you already know, then continue reading, because below we explain everything you want and you need to know about this interesting topic that you have probably already been given homework at school.
RATIONAL NUMBERS Difference b/w Rational and Irrational Numbers
They are known as rational numbers those that can be expressed as fractions with a denominator and numerator nonzero. In other words, they are those that are expressed as the quotient of two integers other than zero.
Similarly, all repeating decimals fall into the category of rational numbers. Any rational number can be represented on a number line.
Examples: 8 (since it can be expressed as 8/1), the square root of 16 (which is 4 and can be expressed as 4/1) and 2.77777 (because as already said before, all the decimals that are repeated are rational) .
IRRATIONAL NUMBERS
On the other hand, irrational numbers are the opposite of rational numbers (as the name implies). That is, they cannot be expressed as a fraction with non-zero denominators. They can only be expressed as the quotient of two integers.
It is important to mention that many square roots, cubic fall into the category of irrational numbers. However, as could already be seen in the previous case; not all roots are irrational numbers. These numbers can be expressed as non-terminal decimals and repeating decimals.
Examples of irrational numbers would be: the number pi (3.14159265358…), 4/0, many more.
Finally, rational and irrational numbers tend to perform different functions. The former usually result when working with measures, while the latter occur more frequently when working with theoretical calculations and definitions.