Elementary Mathematics | MT-1-6

revised May 4, 2013

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WS 2

Real Number System

The real number system consists of six major sets each of which are dened below. Name Natural Whole Integer Rational Irrational Real Symbol N W Z Q Q R Set N = {1, 2, 3, . . .} W = {0, 1, 2, 3, . . .} Z = {. . . , 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .} Q = {a/b : a, b Z, b = 0} Q = {q : q / Q} R=QQ

It is important to note that N W Z Q R and that Q R. Also Q Q = . Do you see why? The above set representation given for rational numbers is read as follows: A rational number is a number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers where the denominator cannot be zero. The decimal representation of rational numbers is either a terminating or recurring(repeating) decimal. With terminating we mean that there is a nite number of decimal places and recurring means that a set of decimal places is repeated. A few examples of terminating and recurring decimals include: 2 = 0.4, 5 1 = 0.333 . . . = 0.3, 3 5 = 0.625, 8 2 = 0.285714285714285714285714285714 . . . = 0.285714 7

Note the use of a bar to indicate the repeating number or set of numbers. Instructions: Attempt ALL questions and show ALL working where possible. 1. Explain why Q Q = ?

2. Based on the denition of rational numbers, explain why Z Q. Use examples to support your conclusion.

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Elementary Mathematics | MT-1-6

revised May 4, 2013

3. Is 1/3 Z? Why or why not?

4. Dene the set of even and odd numbers.

5. Dene the set of prime and square numbers.

6. A rational number is any number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers in which the divisor is not zero. Why is it the case that the divisor must not be zero? What about the number 0/8?

7. Is 22/7 Q? Determine its decimal representation to support your conclusion.

8. Dene irrational numbers in terms of rational numbers. Use the concepts of terminating and recurring decimals.

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Elementary Mathematics | MT-1-6

revised May 4, 2013

9. Classify the numbers in the table below by using a ( ) to represent its inclusion. N 3.1415 25 9 2 2/5 0 7 W Z Q Q R

6/3 10. What are consecutive numbers? In a similar way, what are consecutive integers?

11. The product of two consecutive even integers is 1088. What are the integers?

12. Use a check mark ( ) to indicate subset of: N Even Odd Prime Square W Z Q Q R

Puzzle
Find the sum of the numbers 1 through 500. (Hint: Develop a pattern to obtain this sum.)

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