Rational and Irrational Numbers in Decimal Form
- Author:
- Lew W. S.
- Topic:
- Numbers, Rational Numbers
Explore rational numbers and irrational numbers here.
Rational numbers can be expressed in the form p/q where p, q are integers and q 0, and they may be terminating decimals or non terminating but repeating(recurring).
Irrational numbers are decimals which are non terminating and non repeating(non recurring)
For rational number 3/23 see that the digits 1304347826086956521739 is repeated, if we set the
the slider "number of digits in column to show" to 22 digits.
What happens if you change the slider value?
Try the rational number 2/17
Adjust the slider "number of digits in column to show" such that you can see the repetition of digits.
What are the digits repeated?
Explore the other rational numbers and irrational numbers!
For example, why some rational numbers have non terminating decimals (but with recurring or repeated digits) like 3/23 above while some have terminating decimals like 3/25 or 3/75, or 7/140 ?
Hint: Consider the denominator of the fraction in the lowest terms. What are the prime factors of the denominator?
Classification of Real Numbers, Irrational and Irrational Numbers
See resources at
https://www.geogebra.org/m/kpq8gh3u (Flow chart)
https://www.geogebra.org/m/Vv5cQRBB (Venn Diagram )
https://www.geogebra.org/m/jzybegwq (with self assessment using Venn Diagram)