CHAPTER 8: RATIONAL NUMBERS

What are Rational Numbers?

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as fractions. The word "rational" comes from "ratio" - which means comparing two numbers!

Simple Examples:

½ (one half), ¾ (three quarters), ⅔ (two thirds)

Even whole numbers are rational:

5 = ⁵⁄₁, -3 = -³⁄₁, 0 = ⁰⁄₁

Real-Life Examples

Sharing Food:

If 4 friends share 3 pizzas equally:

Each gets ¾ of a pizza

¾ is a rational number!

Cricket Overs:

In limited overs cricket:

If a bowler bowls 4.3 overs

4.3 = 4 + ³⁄₁₀ = ⁴³⁄₁₀

This is a rational number!

Measurements:

Length: 2.5 meters = ²⁵⁄₁₀ = ⁵⁄₂

Weight: 0.75 kg = ⁷⁵⁄₁₀₀ = ¾

Time: 1.5 hours = ¹⁵⁄₁₀ = ³⁄₂

What You Will Learn

In this chapter, we will learn:

  • What rational numbers are
  • How to write numbers as fractions
  • How to add rational numbers
  • How to subtract rational numbers
  • How to multiply rational numbers
  • How to divide rational numbers
  • How to compare rational numbers
  • Number line for rational numbers

Why is it Important?

Rational numbers help us:

  • Share things equally among friends
  • Measure exact quantities
  • Calculate recipes in cooking
  • Understand sports statistics
  • Work with money and prices
  • Measure time accurately
  • Solve real-life division problems
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For Class 7 Students (NCERT & JKBOSE)