If you’re currently educating yourself on rational numbers and irrational numbers, continue reading to discover examples of rational numbers which aren’t integers.
What is an example of a rational number that is not an integer?
Firstly, make sure to define the term integer:
To discover a rational number that isn’t an integer, it may help to define the term integer. In the study of mathematics an integer is not simply a number but a whole number, rather than a fractional number. An example of a rational number which is an integer is the number one.
However, keep in mind that integers don’t have to be positive and negative whole numbers can also be classified as integers. An example of a rational integer which is a negative number is -5.
Finding a rational number that is not an integer?
Now that you fully comprehend what an integer is, it will be easier to find a rational number that isn’t an integer. A great example to keep in mind is a decimal number, which has reoccurring, repeating decimal numbers.
As while decimal figures which have unique numbers such as pi are irrational numbers, decimal numbers which have repeating numbers such as 0.36363 are rational numbers. Which means that 0.363636 is a prime example of a rational number that is not an integer.
Further examples of rational numbers that are not integers:
Using the information listed above, the following numbers which aren’t integers are also rational numbers, 0.444444, 0.242424 and 0.5555. All of which follow the rules for rational figures and which can all be easily expressed as whole fractions.
Why are repeating decimals considered rational numbers:
If you’re wondering why repeating decimals are considered rational numbers, the answer is that repeating decimals can be described as a ratio of two integers. So any decimal which uses repetitive numbers such as 0.575757 and 0.818181 will always be considered rational numbers.
At the same time all numbers which repeat themselves continuously such as 0.5555, 0.33333 and 0.8888 are always rational numbers, which aren’t classed as integers or whole numbers too.
What is the official mathematical term for a decimal number which is infinite and never ends:
There is actually an offical mathematical term for a decimal number which is infinite and never ends. In fact, both the terms reptend and repetend can be properly used in order to describe such numbers.
Why is it important to be able to recognize rational numbers:
If you’re uncertain about why it’s important to learn how to differentiate rational figures from irrational figures, remember that once you start figuring out more complex mathematics equations such as algebraic equations, the rules that you’ll need to follow in order to get the right result, will be dependent on whether you’re dealign with a whole rational number or an irrational number.
So in order to save yourself a headache in the future, it’s great to cement the basics of mathematics such as understanding key mathematics terms and rules.
Hopefully your comprehension of rational numbers, irrational numbers and integers has increased as a result of reading the above guide.
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