CHAPTER 1

RATIONAL NUMBERS
Pre-requisites
We have studied about the fundamental operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division on natural numbers, whole numbers and integers.

Natural Numbers: The positive numbers 1, 2, 3,.. are called natural numbers or
counting numbers and it is denoted by ‘N’

Whole Numbers: The natural number along with the number 0(zero), i.e. 0,1 ,2 3, .........
form the set of whole numbers and it is denoted by ‘W’.

Integers: Whole numbers along with negative natural numbers, i.e. 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ....are
called integers and it is denoted by ‘I’.

Integers are two types:

(i) Positive integers (I⁺) All the natural numbers are positive integers. Thus, 1, 2, 3,4, ...
are positive integers. Positive integers are denoted by I⁺.

(ii) Negative integers(I⁻) On putting negative sign before each positive integer, we get
negative integers. Thus -1, -2, -3, -4,....are negative integers. Negative integers are
denoted by I⁻.
 Concept building
Rational Numbers are part of the Real Number System. Rational numbers are special
because they can be written as a fraction.
p
q
More speci�ically, the de�inition of rational numbers says that any rational number can be
written as the ratio of p to q, where p and q are integers and q is not zero.

In Real number System rational numbers represented in this way

Real numbers

Rational numbers

Integers

Whole number

Natural numbers
 Key Note

Rational Numbers
In mathematics, a rational number is a number that two integers can be expressed as
the quotient of fraction. After integers, rational numbers are one of the most prevalent
types of numbers we learn in math. "Ratio" is how it's referred to. As a result, rational
numbers have a strong connection to the concept of ratio.
p
Numbers written in the form q , where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0

is called a rational number.

Q is the abbreviation used for rational numbers.

Like fractions, rational numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided.
On rational numbers, below are the four basic arithmetic operations:

Rational number addition

Subtraction of rational numbers

Multiplication of Rational Numbers

Rational number division

Example
-13
, is a rational number where -13 and 19 are integers
19
1
, is a rational number where 1 and 5 are integers
5
4
, is a rational number where 4 and -9 are integers
-9

Note:
(i) Every positive rational number is greater than 0.

(ii) Every negative rational number is less than 0.

1.2 Properties of rational numbers

1.2.1 Closure

1.2.1.1 Closure property for whole numbers

Verify that the whole numbers are close under all mathematical operations addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Operation Numbers Remark

0+ 5 = 5 is a whole number
4 + 7 = 11 is a whole number
Addition In general, a + b is a whole Whole numbers are
number for any two whole closed under addition
numbers a and b

5 - 7 = -2, which is not a

Whole numbers are
Subtraction whole number not closedunder
subtraction.

0 × 3 = 0, a whole number
Whole numbers are
Multiplication 3 × 7 = 21, is a whole number
In general, a and b are any two closed under
whole numbers, their product multiplication.
ab is a whole number.

5 Whole numbers are

Division 5÷8= , Which is not a
8 not closed under
division.
whole number.

Conclution: Whole numbers closed under addition and multiplication but not closed
under subtraction and division.
1.2.1.2 Closure property for Natural numbers

Operation Numbers Remark

2 + 5 = 7 is a natural number
1 + 7 = 8 is a natural number
Addition In general, a + b is a natural Natural numbers are
number for any two whole closed under addition
numbers a and b

7 - 8 = -1, which is not a

Natural numbers are
Subtraction natural number not closed under
subtraction.

1 × 2 = 2, is a natural number
Natural numbers are
Multiplication 4 × 3 = 12, is a natural number
In general, a and b are any two closed under
Natural numbers, their product multiplication.
ab is a whole number.

1 Natural numbers are

Division 1÷5= , Which is not a
5 not closed under
division.
natural number.

Conclusion : Natural numbers are closed under addition and multiplication

but not closed under subtraction and divition.

Natural numbers and whole numbers are closed under

addition and multiplicationand not closed under
subtraction and division.
1.2.1.3. Closure property for Integers

Operation Numbers Remark

-6 + 5 = -1 is an integer
Integers are closed
-3 + -4 = -7 is an integer
under addition.
Addition 2 + 4 = 6 is an ineger
In general, a + b is an integer
for any two integers a and b.

5 − 7 = -2, is an integer
Subtraction 7 − 5 = 2, is an integer Integers are closed
-6 - 8 = -14, is an integer under subtraction.
In general, for any two integers a and
b, a - b is again an integer.
5 × 8 = 40, an integer Integers are closed
Multiplication -4 × 3 = -12, is an integer
under multiplication.
In general, for any two integers
a and b, a × b is also an integer.

1
Division 1÷7= , Which is not an
7 Integers are not
integer. closed under division.

Conclution: Integers are closed under addition, subtraction and multiplication but
not closed under division.

1.2.1.4 Closure property for Rational numbers

p
Numbers written in the form , where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0
q
is called a rational number.

Examples
2
, is a rational number where 2 and 3 are integers
3
-1
,is a rational number where -1 and 5 are integers
5
(a) Closure under addition

3 (-5) 21 + (-40) -19

+ = = is a rational number
8 7 56 56
-3 (-4) -15 + (-32) -47
+ = = is a rational number
8 5 40 40
4 6 44 + 42 86
+ = = is a rational number
7 11 77 77

i.e. sum of rational numbers again a rational number

Rational numbers are closed under addition.

In general, for any two rational numbers a and b,
a + b is also a rational number.

(b) Closure under subtraction

(-5) 2 -5 × 3 + - 2 × 7 -15 - 14 -29

- = = = , is a rational number
7 3 7×3 21 21
5 4 5×5 -4×8 25 - 32 -7
- = = = , is a rational number
8 5 8×5 40 40
3 (-8) 3 × 5 - (-8) × 7 15 - (-56) 15 + 56 71
- = = = = , is a rational number
7 5 7× 5 35 35 35

i.e. difference of rational numbers again a rational number

Rational numbers are closed under subtraction.

In general, for any two rational numbers a and b,
a − b is also a rational number.

(c) Closure under multiplication

-2 4 -2 × 4 -8
× = = , is a rational number
3 5 3 × 5 15
3 2 3×2 6
× = = , is a rational number
7 5 7 × 5 35
 4 -6 4 × (-6) -24 24
- × =- =- = , is a rational number
5 11 5 × 11 55 55

i.e. product of rational numbers again a rational number.

Rational numbers are closed under multiplication.

In general, for any two rational numbers a and b,
a × b is also a rational number.

(c) Closure under division

-5 2 -5 5 -5 × 5 -25
÷ = × = = , is a rational number
3 5 3 2 3×2 6
2 5 2 3 2×3 6
÷ = × = = , is a rational number
7 3 7 5 7 × 5 35

For any rational number a, a ÷ 0 ia not de�ined

So rational numbers are not closed under division

Conclution: Rational numbers are closed under addition, subtraction and

multiplication but not closed under division.

NOTE

Numbers Closed Under

addition subtraction multiplication division

Rational numbers Yes Yes Yes No

Integers Yes Yes Yes No

Whole Numbers Yes No Yes No

Natural numbers Yes No Yes No

1.2.2 Commutativity

1.2.2.1 Commutative property for whole numbers

Operation Numbers Remark

0+ 5 = 5 + 0 = 5 is a whole number
4 + 3 = 3 + 4 = 7 is a whole number
Addition is commutative
Addition For any whole numbers a and b,
a+b=b+a
7 - 5 = 2, 5 - 7 = -2, Which is not a Subtraction is not
Subtraction whole number
commutative
i.e. 7 - 5 ≠ 5 - 7

0 × 3 = 3 × 0 = 0 , a whole number Multiplication is

Multiplication 3 × 7 = 7 × 3 = 21, is a whole number commutative
In general, a and b are any two
whole numbers, their product
a×b=b×a

Division 8÷4=2
4 Division is not
4 ÷ 8 = , Which is not a
8 commutative
whole number.
i.e. 8 ÷ 4 ≠ 4 ÷ 8

Conclusion: In whole numbers addition and multiplication is commutative but

division and subtraction is not commutative.

1.2.2.2 Commutative property for whole numbers

Operation Numbers Remark

2 + 5 = 5 + 2 = 7 is a natural number
1 + 7 = 7 + 1 = 8 is a natural number
Addition For any natural number a and b Addition is commutative
a+b=b+a
 8 - 7 = 1, 7 - 8 = -1 which is not a
Subtraction is not
natural number.
Subtraction commutative
8-7≠7-8

1× 4 = 4 × 1 = 4 , a natural number
Multiplication 3 × 7 = 7 × 3 = 21, is a natural number Multiplication is
In general, a and b are any two commutative
Natural numbers, their product
a×b=b×a
5÷1=5
division is not
Division 1
1 ÷ 5 = , Which is not a commutative
5
natural number.
5÷1≠1÷5

Conclusion: In natural numbers addition and multiplication is commutative but

division and subtraction is not commutative.

1.2.2.3 Commutative property for Integers

Operation Numbers Remark

-2 + 3 = 3 + -2 = 1 is an integer
-2 + -5 = -5 + -2 = -7 is an integer
Addition is commutative
Addition For any integers a and b,
a+b=b+a
6 - (-5) = 11, -5 - 6 = -11, Subtraction is not
Subtraction i.e. 6 -( -5) ≠ -5 - 6
commutative
For any integers a and b,
a-b≠b-a
-4 × 3 = 3 × -4 = -12 Multiplication is
Multiplication 0 × -7 = -7 × 0 = 0 commutative
For any integers a and b,
a×b=b×a

-8 ÷ 2 = -4
2 Division is not
commutative
-8
Conclusion: Integers are commutative for addition and multiplication but not
commutative for subtraction and division

Natural numbers, whole numbers and integers are commutative

for addition and multiplication but not commutative for
subtraction and division.

1.2.2.4 Commutative property for Rational numbers

(i) Addition

-2 5 (-2 × 7) + (5 × 3) -14 + 15 1
+ = = =
3 7 3×7 21 21
5 æç -2 ö÷ (5 × 3) + (-2 × 7) 15 + -14 1
+ ç ÷÷ = = =
7 çè 3 ø 7×3 21 21

-2 5 5 æç -2 ö÷
⇒ 3
+ = + ç ÷÷ =
ç
7 7 è 3 ø 21
1

-6 æç -8 ö÷ (-6 × 3) + (-8 × 5) -18 + -40 -58

+ç ÷= = =
5 çè 3 ÷ø 5×3 15 15
-8 æç -6 ö÷ (-8 × 5) + (-6 × 3) -40 + -18 -58
+ç ÷= = =
3 çè 5 ÷ø 3×5 15 15

-6 æç -8 ö÷ -8 æç -6 ö÷ -58
⇒ +ç ÷= +ç ÷=
5 çè 3 ø÷ 3 èç 5 ø÷ 15

i.e. addition is commutative

For any rational numbers a and b, a + b = b + a

Addition is commutative for rational numbers
(ii) Subtraction

2 5 (2 × 4) - (5 × 3) 8 - 15 -7
- = = =
3 4 3×4 12 12
5 2 (5 × 3) - (2 × 4) 15 - 8 7
- = = =
4 3 4×3 12 12

⇒ 2 5
-
3 4
¹
5 2
-
4 3

1 3 (1 × 5) - (3 × 2) 5 - 6 -1
- = = =
2 5 2×5 10 10
3 1 (3 × 2) - (1 × 5) 6 - 5 1
- = = =
5 2 5×2 10 10

⇒ 1 3
-
2 5
¹
3 1
-
5 2

i.e. subtraction is not commutative

Subtraction is not commutative for rational numbers

(iii) Multiplication

-7 6 -7 × 6 -42
× = =
3 5 3×5 15
6 -7 6 × -7 -42
× = =
5 3 5×3 15

⇒ -73 × 56 = 56 × -73 = -42

15
 -8 æç -4 ö÷ -8 × -4 32
×ç ÷= =
9 çè 7 ø÷ 9×7 63
-4 æç -8 ö÷ -4 × -8 32
×ç ÷= =
7 çè 9 ø÷ 7×9 63

⇒ -8 æç -4 ö÷ -4 æç -8 ö÷ 32
×ç ÷= ×ç ÷=
9 çè 7 ÷ø 7 çè 9 ÷ø 63

i.e. Multiplication is commutative

For any rational numbers a and b, a × b = b × a

Multiplication is commutative for rational numbers

(iv) Division
-5 3 -5 7 -5 × 7 -35
÷ = × = =
4 7 4 3 4×3 12
3 -5 3 4 3×4 12
÷ = × = =
7 4 7 -5 7 × -5 -35

⇒ -5 3
4
÷
7
¹
3 -5
7
÷
4

i.e. division is not commutative

Rational numbers are commutative for addition and multiplication

but not commutative for subtraction and division.
NOTE

Numbers Commutative for

addition subtarction multiplication division

Rational numbers Yes No Yes No

Integers Yes No Yes No

Whole Numbers Yes No Yes No

Natural numbers Yes No Yes No

1.2.3 Associativity

1.2.3.1 Associativity property for Whole numbers

Operation Numbers Remarks

2 +(3 +4) =2 + 7 = 9
(2+3)+4 = 5 + 4= 9 Addition is associative
Addition For any whole number a, b and c
a +( b + c) = (a + b) + c

4 - (5 - 3) = 4 - 2 = 2
Subtraction is not associative
Subtraction (4 - 5) -3 = -1 -3 = -4
4 - (5 - 3) ≠ (4 - 5)- 3

2 × (4 × 5) = 2 × 20 = 40
(2 × 4) × 5 = 8 × 5 = 40 Multiplication is associative
Multiplication
2 × (4 × 5) = (2 × 4) × 5
For any whole numbers a, b and c
a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c

6 ÷ (3 ÷ 2)≠ (6 ÷ 3) ÷ 2 Division is not asssociative

Division 4 ÷ (3 ÷ 6) ≠ (4 ÷3) ÷ 6

Conclusion : Whole numbers are associative under addition and multiplication but not
assciative under subtraction and division
1.2.3.2 Associativity property for Natural numbers

Operation Numbers Remarks

2 + (3 + 4) = 2 + 7 = 9
(2 + 3) + 4 = 5 + 4 = 9 Addition is associative
Addition For any Natural number a, b and c
a +( b + c) = (a + b) + c

4 - (5 - 3) = 4 - 2 = 2 Subtraction is not associative

Subtraction (4 - 5) - 3 = -1 - 3 = -4
4 - (5 - 3) ≠ (4 - 5)- 3
2 × (4 × 5) = 2 × 20 = 40
Multiplication (2 × 4) × 5 = 8 × 5 = 40 Multiplication is associative
2 × (4 × 5) = (2 × 4) × 5
For any Natural numbers a, b and c
a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c

Division is not asssociative

Division 6 ÷ (7 ÷ 4) ≠ (6 ÷ 7) ÷ 4
2 ÷ (4 ÷ 6) ≠ (2 ÷4) ÷ 6

Conclusion: In natural numbers addition and multiplication is assosiative but

division and subtraction is not associative.

1.2.3.3 Associativity propety of Integers

Operation Numbers Remarks

-6 + (3 + 2) = -6 + 5 = -1
(-6 + 3) + 2 = -3 + 2 = -1 Addition is associative
Addition For any Integers a, b and c
a +( b + c) = (a + b) + c

-4 - (5 - -3) = -4 - 8 = -12 Subtraction is not associative

Subtraction (-4 - 5) - -3 = -9 + 3 = -6
-4 - (5 - -3) ≠ (-4 - 5) - -3
2 × (4 × 5) = 2 × 20 = 40
Multiplication (2 × 4) × 5 = 8 × 5 = 40 Multiplication is associative
2 × (4 × 5) = (2 × 4) × 5
For any integers a, b and c
a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c

Division 4 ÷ (-3 ÷ 2) ≠ (4 ÷ -3) ÷ 2 Division is not asssociative

1 ÷ (3 ÷ -5) ≠ (1 ÷ 3) ÷ -5
Conclution: Integers are associative under addition and multiplication
but not associative under subtraction and division

Natural numbers, whole numbers and integers are asociative under

addition and multiplication but not associative under subtraction
and division.

1.2.3.4 Associative property of Rational number

(i) addition

Rational numbers are associative under addition

For any three rational numbers a, b and c, a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c

Example:
-1 3 -4
Let three rational numbers , ,
2 7 3
-1 é 3 -4 ù -1 é 9 - 28 ù -1 -19 -21 + -38 -59
+ê + ú= +ê ú= + = =
2 êë 7 3 úû 2 êë 21 úû 2 21 42 42
é -1 3 ù -4 -7 + 6 -4 -1 -4 -3 + -56 -59
ê + ú+ = + = + = =
êë 2 7 úû 3 14 3 14 3 59 42

⇒ -1 é 3 -4 ù é -1 3 ù -4
2
+ê + ú=ê + ú+
êë 7 3 úû êë 2 7 úû 3

(ii) Subtraction

Rational numbers are not associative under subtraction

Example:
-2 -4 1
Let threee rational numbers , ,
3 5 2
-2 é -4 1 ù -2 é -8 - 5 ù -2 é -13 ù
-ê - ú= -ê ú= - ê ú
3 êë 5 2 úû 3 êë 10 úû 3 êë 10 úû
é -2 -4 ù 1 é -10 - -12 ù 1 2 1
ê - ú- =ê ú- = -
êë 3 5 ûú 2 ëê 15 ûú 2 15 2

-2 é -4 1 ù é -2 -4 ù 1
⇒ -ê - ú ¹ ê - ú-
3 êë 5 2 úû êë 3 5 úû 2

(iii) Multiplication

Rational umbers are associative under multiplication.

For any rational numbers a, b and c, a × (b × c) = (a × b) × c

Example
2 -6 4
Let three rational numbers are , ,
3 7 5

2 é -6 4 ù 2 é -6 × 4 ù 2 é -24 ù -48
×ê × ú= ×ê ú= × ê ú=
3 êë 7 5 úû 3 êë 7 × 5 úû 3 êë 35 úû 105
é 2 -6 ù 4 é 2 × -6 ù 4 -12 4 -12 × 4 -48
ê × ú× =ê ú× = × = =
ëê 3 7 ûú 5 ëê 3 × 7 ûú 5 21 5 21 × 5 105

⇒ 2 é -6 4 ù é 2 -6 ù
×ê × ú=ê × ú×
3 êë 7 5 ûú ëê 3 7 ûú
4
5

(iv) Division

Rational numbers are not associative under division

Exanple

Let three rational numbers are

1 é -1 2 ù 1 é -1 5 ù é 1 -1 ù 2 é 1 3 ù 2
÷ê ÷ ú= ÷ ê × ú ê ÷ ú÷ =ê × ú÷
2 êë 3 5 úû 2 êë 3 2 úû êë 2 3 úû 5 êë 2 -1 úû 5
1 -5 3 2
= ÷ = ÷
2 6 -2 5
1 6 3 5
= × = ×
2 -5 -2 2
6 15
= =
-10 -4

1 é -1 2 ù é 1 -1 ù 2
⇒ ÷ê ÷ ú=ê ÷ ú÷
2 êë 3 5 úû êë 2 3 úû 5

Rational numbers are associative under addition and multiplication

but not associative under subtraction and division

NOTE

Numbers Associative for

addition subtarction multiplication division

Rational numbers Yes No Yes No

Integers Yes No Yes No

Whole Numbers Yes No Yes No

Natural numbers Yes No Yes No

1.2.4. Property of zero

Look at the following examples,

-5 + 0 = -5
-3 -3
+0=
2 2
4 4
+0=
3 3

When zero is added to a rational number we get again that rational number. It is same
in the case of whole number and integers.

If a is a whole number, a + 0 = a

If b is a whole number, b + 0 = b

If c is a ratinal number, c + 0 = c

Zero is called the additive identity of rational numbers.

It is the additive identity for integers and whole numbers as well.
1.2.5 Property of one

Look at the following examples,

5×1=5
5 5
×1=
2 2
-8 -8
×1=
3 3
When one is multiplied to a rational number we get again that number. It is same in the
case of whole numbers and integers.

If a is a whole number, a × 1 = a

If b is an integer. b × 1 = b

If c is a rational number, c × 1 = c

One is called the multiplicative identity of rational numbers. It is the

multiplicative identity for integers and whole numbers as well.

1.2.6 Negative number

Look at the following example

2 + (-2) = 0

5 -5 5 - 5
+ = =0
2 2 2
-8 8 -8 + 8
+ = =0
3 3 3

a -a
In general, let and are two rational numbers, then
b b
 a æç -a ö÷ æç -a ö÷ a
+ ç ÷ = ç ÷ + =0
b çè b ø÷ çè b ø÷ b

-a is addictive inverse of a and a is additive inverse of æ -a ö÷

i.e. çç ÷
b b b çè b ÷ø

1.2.7 Reciprocal
4
If the given rational number , by which number should it be multiplied to get the
product 1. 9

Fact
4 9
× =1
9 4 Zero has no multiplicative
inverse
9
Hence the required number is
4
9
i.e. is known as the reciprocal of 4
4 9

q
In general for a given rational number p , there exist its reciprocal ,
q p
æ p öæ q ö
÷÷çç ÷÷ = 1
such that ççç ÷ç ÷ p ø÷
è q øè

p q q p
i.e. is multiplicative inverse of and is multiplicative inverse of .
q p p q

1.2.8. Distributivity of multiplication

1.2.8.1 Distributive of multiplication over addtion for rational numbers.

For any three rational numbers a, b and c, a(b + c) = ab + ac.

 -3 2 -5
Let a = , b = and c =
4 3 6

-3 ìïï 2 æç -5 ö÷üïï -3 ïïì 4 + (-5)ïüï

Then, a (b + c) = × í + ç ÷ý = +í ý
4 ïïî3 èç 6 ø÷ïïþ 4 ïîï 6 ïþï
-3 æç -1 ö÷
= ×ç ÷
4 çè 6 ÷ø
3
=
24
1
=
8
-3 2 -3 × 2 -6 -1 -3 æ -5 ö -3 × -5 5
also, ab = × = = = and ac= × çç ÷÷÷ = =
4 3 4 × 3 12 2 4 çè 6 ø 4×6 8

æ -3 2 ö æ -3 -5 ö÷
And ab + ac = ççç × ÷÷÷ + ççç × ÷
è 4 3ø è 4 6 ø÷
-1 5 -1 × 4 5
= + = +
2 8 2×4 8
-4 5
= +
8 8
-4 + 5
=
8
1
=
8

So, a(b +c) = ab + ac

1.2.8.2. Distributive of multiplication over subtraction of rational numbers.

For any three rational numbers a, b and c, a(b - c) = ab - ac.

-1 2 -1
Let a = , b = and c =
4 5 3
 -1 ìï 2 çæ -1 ö÷ü
ï
Then a (b - c) = ×ïí - çç ÷÷ï ý
4 ï ï5 è 3 øï
î ï
þ
-1 ì
ï 2 × 3 - (-1) × 5ü
ï
= ×ï í ï
ý
4 ïï
î 5×3 ï
ï
þ
-1 ìï 6 - (-5)üï
= ×ïí ï
ý
4 î ï
ï 15 ï ï
þ
-1 ì 6 + 5ü
= ×ïí ï
ý
4 ïï 15 ï
î ï
þ
-1 11
= ×
4 15
-11
=
60

-1 2 -1 -1 æç -1 ö÷ 1
also, ab = × = and ac = ×ç ÷=
4 5 10 4 çè 3 ÷ø 12

-1 1
and ab - ac = -
10 12
-1 ×12 - 1 × 10
=
12 × 10
-12 - 10
=
120
-22
=
120
-11
=
60

So, a (b -c) = ab - ac
THINK, DISCUSS AND WRITE
If a property holds for rational numbers, will it also hold for integers? For whole
numbers? Which will? Which will note?

Answer

All properties of operations on rational numbers also hold in case of integers except
the following property:
a ÷ b is a rational number, if b ≠ 0 but a ÷ b is not necessarily an integer in case ab ∊ I.

All properties of operations on rational numbers also hold in case of whole numbers
except the following proprties:
(i) If a and b are rational numbers, then (a - b) may or may not be a whole number.

(ii) If a and b are rational numbers, then a ÷ b ( where, b ≠ 0) is not necesasrily a

whole number.
 3 æç -6 ö÷ é -8 ù 5
Example 1: Find +ç ÷+ ê ú+
7 çè 11 ÷ø êë 21 úû 22

Solution : 3 çæ -6 ö÷ çæ -8 ö÷ 5
+ ç ÷ + ç ÷+
7 èç11 ÷ø èç 21 ø÷ 22
3 æ -6 ö æ -8 ö 5 7 7, 11, 21, 22
× 462 + çç × 462÷÷÷ + çç × 462÷÷÷ + × 462
7 çè 11 ø èç 21 ø 22 11 1, 11, 3, 22
=
462 1, 1, 3, 2
198 - 252 - 176 + 105
= LCM of( 7, 11, 21, 22)
462
-125
= = 7 × 11 × 3 × 2
462
= 462

OR

3 æç -6 ö÷ çæ -8 ö÷ 5 é 3 æ -8 öù é -6 5ù
+ ç ÷÷ + ç ÷÷+ = ê + çç ÷÷÷ú + ê + ú
7 èç11 ø èç 21 ø 22 ëê 7 èç 21 øûú ëê 11 22 úû
é 3 × 3 -8 ù é -6 × 2 5ù
=ê + ú+ê + ú
êë 7 × 3 21 úû êë 11 × 2 22 úû
é9 -8 ù é -12 5ù
=ê + ú+ ê + ú
êë 21 21 úû êë 22 22 úû
9 - 8 -12 + 5
= +
21 22
1 -7
= +
21 22
1 × 22 + (-7) × 21
=
21 × 22
22 - 147
=
462
-125
=
462
 -4 3 15 æç -14 ö÷
Example 2: Find × × ×ç ÷
5 7 16 çè 9 ÷ø

-4 3 15 æç -14 ö÷ é -4 × 3 ù 15 × (-14)
Solution : × × ×ç ÷= ê ú×
5 7 16 èç 9 ÷ø êë 5 × 7 úû 16 × 9
-12 -35
= ×
35 24
-12 × (-35)
=
35 × 24
1
=
2

OR

-4 3 15 çæ -14 ÷ö é -4 15 ù é 3 æ -14 ö÷ù

× × ×ç ÷= ê × ú × ê ×ç ÷ú
5 7 16 çè 9 ø÷ êë 5 16 ûú ëê 7 èçç 9 ÷øûú
-3 -2
= ×
4 3
1
=
2

Example 3: Write the additive inverse of the following

21
(i) -7 (ii)
19 112

Answer
7 -7
(i) is the additive inverse of
19 19

-7 7 -7 + 17
since + = =0
19 19 19
 -21 21
(ii) is the additive inverse of
112 112

21 -21 21 - 21
since + = =0
112 112 112

Example 4: Verify that -(-x) is the same as x for

13 -21
(i) x = (ii) x =
17 31

Answer
13 -21
(i) x = (ii) x =
17 112
13 æ -21 ö÷ 21
-x = - -x = -çç =
17 çè 112 ÷÷ø 112
æ -13 ö÷ æ 21 ö÷
-(-x) = -çç -(-x) = -çç
çè 17 ø÷÷ çè 112 ÷÷ø
13 -21
= =
17 112

2 -3 1 3 3
Example 5: Find × - - ×
5 7 14 7 5

Answer:

2 -3 1 3 3 2 -3 3 3 1 (By commutativity)
× - - × = × - × -
5 7 14 7 5 5 7 7 5 14
2 -3 æç -3ö÷ 3 1
= × +ç ÷× -
5 7 çè 7 ÷ø 5 14
-3 æç 2 3ö÷ 1
= ×ç + ÷- (By distributivity)
7 çè 5 5 ÷ø 14
 -3 1
= -
7 14
-6 -1
=
14
-7
=
14
-1
=
2

TRY THESE
ì
ï7 æ -13 ö÷ü
ï ì 7 5ü ìï 9 4ü ì9 -3ü
Find using distrbutivity (i) ïí × çç ÷
÷
ï
ý + ï
í × ï
ý (ii) í × ïý + ïí × ïý
ï ç ïîï16 12ïïþ ïîï16 9 ïïþ
ï 5 è 12 øï
î þ ï
ï ï 5 12ï
î ï
þ

Answer
ì7 æ -13 öï
ï ü ìï7 5 üï 7 é -13 5ù
(i) ï
í × ççç ÷÷ï
ý +
÷ï ï í × ý= ê + ú By distributivity
ï
ï
î 5 è 12 ø ï
þ ï
î 5 12 ï
ï
þ 5 ëê 12 12 ú
û
7 é -13 + 5 ù
= ê ú
5 êë 12 úû
7 -8
= ×
5 12
7 × -8
=
5 × 12
-56
=
60

ì9 4ü ì9 -3ü 9 é 4 æç -3 ö÷ù
(ii) ïí × ïý + ïí × ïý= ê + ÷ú
ïîï16 12ïïþ ïîï16 9 ïïþ 16 êë 12 ççè 9 ø÷úû
9 é 4 × 9 + (-3) × 12 ù
= ê ú
16 êë 12 × 9 úû
9 é 36-36 ù
= ê ú
16 êë 108 úû
9 0
= ×
16 108
=0
 EXERCISE 1.1

1. Using apporopriate properties �ind.

-2 3 5 3 1 2 æç 3 ö÷ 1 3 1 2
(i) × + - × (ii) × ç- ÷÷ - × + ×
3 5 2 5 6 ç
5 è 7 ø 6 2 14 5
Answer
-2 3 5 3 1 é -2 3 æ 3 ö 1 ù 5
(i) × + - × = ê × + çç- ÷÷ × ú + (By commutativity)
ç ÷
3 5 2 5 6 ëê 3 5 è 5 ø 6 úû 2
éæ 3 ö 2 æ 3 ö 1 ù 5
= êçç- ÷÷÷ × + çç- ÷÷÷ × ú +
ç ç
ëêè 5 ø 3 è 5 ø 6 ûú 2
3 é2 1ù 5
=- ê + ú +
5 êë 3 6 úû 2
3 é2 × 2 1ù 5
=- ê + ú+
5 êë 3 × 2 6 úû 2
3 é 4 1ù 5
=- ê + ú +
5 êë 6 6 úû 2
3 é 4 + 1ù 5
=- ê ú+
5 êë 6 úû 2
3 5 5
=- × +
5 6 2
-3 5
= +
6 2
-1 5
= +
2 2
5-1
=
2
4
=
2
=2

2 çæ 3 ÷ö 1 3 1 2 2 æ 3ö 1 2 1 3
(ii) × ç- ÷÷ - × + × = × çç- ÷÷÷+ × - ×
5 çè 7 ø 6 2 14 5 5 èç 7 ø 14 5 6 2
æ2 æ 3ö 1 2ö 1 × 3
= çç × çç- ÷÷÷ + × ÷÷ -
çè 5 çè 7 ø 14 5 ÷ø 6 × 2
 2æ 3 1 ö÷ 3
= çç- + ÷-
5 çè 7 14 ø÷ 12
2æ 3 × 2 1 ö÷ 1
= çç- + ÷ -
5 çè 7 × 2 14 ø÷ 4
2 æ -6 1 ö÷ 1
= çç + ÷ -
5 çè 14 14 ø÷ 4
2 æ -6 + 1 ö÷ 1
= çç ÷-
5 çè 14 ø÷ 4
2 æ -5 ö 1
= çç ÷÷÷ -
5 çè 14 ø 4
2 æ -5 ö 1
= çç ÷÷÷ -
5 çè 14 ø 4
-1 1
= -
7 4
-1 × 4 - 1 × 7
=
4×7
-4 - 7
=
28
-11
=
28

2. Write the additive inverse of of the following.

2 -5 -6 2 19
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
8 9 -5 -9 -6

Answer
-2 2
(i) is the additive inverse of
8 8
Because,
2 -2 2 - 2 0
+ = = =0
8 8 8 8
 5 -5
(ii) is the additive inverse of
9 9
Because,
-5 5 -5 + 5 0
+ = = =0
9 9 9 9

-6 -6
(iii) is the additive inverse of
5 -5
Because,
-6 -6 6 -6 6 - 6 0
+ = + = = =0
-5 5 5 5 5 5

2 2
(iv) is the additive inverse of
9 -9
Because,
2 2 -2 2 -2 + 2 0
+ = + = = =0
-9 9 9 9 9 9
19 19
(v) is the additive inverse of
6 -6
Because,
19 19 -19 19 -19 + 19 0
+ = + = = =0
-6 6 6 6 6 6

3. Verify that -(-x) = x for

11 13
(i) x = (ii) x = -
15 17

Answer
11
(i) x=
15
11
-x = -
15
æ 11 ö 11
-(-x) = -çç- ÷÷÷ = =x
çè 15 ø 15
 -13
(ii) x =
17
-13 13
-x = - =
17 17
13
-(-x) = - =x
17

4. Find the multiplicative inverse of the following

-13 1 -5 -3 -2
(i)-13 (ii) (iii) (iv) × (v) -1 × (vi) -1
19 5 8 7 5

Answer

Rational Number Multiplicative inverse

Sl .No

-1
1. -13 13

-13 -19
2.
19 13

1
3. 5
5

-5 -3 -5 × -3 15 56
4. × = =
8 7 8×7 56 15

-2 -1 × -2 2 5
5. -1 × = = 2
5 5 5

6. -1 -1
5. Name the property under multiplication used in each of the following.
-4 -4 4 -13 -2 -2 -13 -19 29
(i) ×1=1× =- (ii) × = × (iii) × =1
1 5 5 17 7 7 17 29 -19

Answer

Sl . No Multiplication Property used

-4 -4 4 Commutative property
1. ×1=1× =-
1 5 5

-13 -2 -2 -13
2. × = ×
17 7 7 17 Commutative property

-19 29
3. × =1
29 -19 Multiplicative inverse

6 -7
6. Multiply by the reciprocal of
13 16

Answer
-7 -16
∵ Reciprocal of =
16 7

6 é -7 ù 6 é -16 ù
∴ × êReciprocalof ú = ×ê ú
13 êë 16 úû 13 êë 7 úû
6 × (-16)
=
13 × 7
-96
=
91
 1 æç 4 ö æ1 ö 4
7. Tell, what property allows you to compute × ç6 × ÷÷÷ as çç × 6÷÷÷ ×
3 çè 3 ø èç 3 ø 3

Answer
1 æç 4 ö æ1 ö 4
In computing × ç6 × ÷÷÷ as çç × 6÷÷÷ × , we use Associativity property.
3 èç 3 ø èç 3 ø 3

8 1
8. Is the multiplicative inverse of -1 ? Why or why not?
9 8

Answer

No,
1 -8 + 1 -7
since 1 = =
8 8 8

1 -8
Multiplicative inverse of -1 is
8 7

9. 1
Is 0.3 is the multiplicative inverse of 3 ? Why or why not?
3
Answer
3 1 10
∵ 0.3 = and 3 =
10 3 3
1 10 3
and, multiplicative inverse of 3 or = = 0.3
3 3 10
1
∴ The multiplicative inverse of 3 is 0.3
3

10. Write
(i) The rational number that does not have a reciprocal.
(ii) The rational numbers that are equal to their reciprocals.
(iii) The rational number that is equal to its negative.
 Answer

(i) The rational number zero (0) doesnot have a reciprocal.

(ii) The rational numbers 1 and (-1) are equal to their reciprocals reciprocals
respectively.

(iii) ∵ [ A rational number] + [ Negative of the rational number] = 0

∴ [0] + [0] = 0

So, Negative of 0 is 0

Hence 0 is equal to its negative.

11. Fill in the blanks.

(i) Zero has reciprocal.

(ii) The numbers and are their own reciprocals.
(iii) The reciprocal of -5 is .
1
(iv) Reciprocal of , where x � is .
x
(v) The product of two rational numbers is always a .
(vi) The reciprocal of positive rational number is .

Answer

(i) Zero has no reciprocal.

(ii) The numbers 1 and -1 are their own reciprocal.

-1
(iii) The reciprocal of -5 is
5
(iv) The reciprocal of 1 , where x � 0 is x.
x
(v) The product of two rational numbers is always a rational number.

(vi) The reciprocal of a positive rational number is positive.

 -4 3 15 æç -14 ö÷
Example 2: Find × × ×ç ÷
5 7 16 çè 9 ÷ø

-4 3 15 æç -14 ö÷ é -4 × 3 ù 15 × (-14)
Solution : × × ×ç ÷= ê ú×
5 7 16 çè 9 ÷ø êë 5 × 7 úû 16 × 9
-12 -35
= ×
35 24
-12 × (-35)
=
35 × 24
1
=
2

OR

-4 3 15 çæ -14 ÷ö é -4 15 ù é 3 æ -14 ö÷ù

× × ×ç ÷= ê × ú × ê ×ç ÷ú
5 7 16 èç 9 ÷ø êë 5 16 úû ëê 7 èçç 9 ÷øûú
-3 -2
= ×
4 3
1
=
2

Example 3: Write the additive inverse of the following

21
(i) -7 (ii)
19 112

Answer
7 -7
(i) is the additive inverse of
19 19

-7 7 -7 + 17
since + = =0
19 19 19
Takeaway Note

Rational numbers are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction and
multiplication.

The operation s addition and multiplication are

(i) commutative for rational numbers.

(ii) associative for rational numbers

The rational number 0 is the additive identity for rational

numbers.

The rational number 1 is the multiplicative identity for rational

numbers.
a a
The additive inverse of the rational number is - and voce - versa.
b b

a c a c
The reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of the rational number is if × = 1
b d b d

Distributivity of rational numbers: For all rational numbera a, b and c,

a(b + c) = ab + ac and a(b - c) = ab - ac

 Topic assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

1 A rational numbers, closure property holds true for:

(a) subtraction (b) addition (c) multiplication (d) all the above

Answer - (d)

2 Which of the following is not true?

(a) 1 is its own multiplicative (b) Subtraction is not associative for rational
numbers
3
(c) 0 is the identity for addition of (d) -4 is the reciprocal of 2
rational numbers. 11 4

Answer -(d)

3 The property a(b + c) = ab + ac is called:

(a) Associative property (b) Distributive propertive of multiplication

over addition

(b) Inverse property (d) Distributive property of addition over

multiplication

Answer - (b)
-5
4 The number that should be added to to get the additive identity is:
9
-4 4 5 -5
(a) (b) (c) (d)
9 9 9 9
Answer - (c)

5 The additive identity and the multiplicative identity of rational numbers

respectively are:

(a) 1, 0 (b) 0, -1 (c) -1, 0 (d) 0, 1

Answer -(d)
6 The rational numbers that are their own reciprocals are:

(a) 1, -1 (b) 0. 1 (c) 0, -1 (d) 1, 2

Answer - (a)
-42 7
7 The product of two rational number is , If one of the numbers is , the other
number is; 63 27

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Answer - (
3 (-7)
8 The reciprocal of × is
5 9

-7 -15 15 7
(a) (b) (c) (d)
15 7 7 15

Answer - (
Solution for MCQ

In rational numbers close under addition, subtraction and multiplication but not
closed under division

is not a reciprocal of
Key Note
1.3 Representation of Rational Numbers on the Number Line

Natural umbers, whole numbers and integers can be represented by number line.

Example

(i) Natural number

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

(ii) Whole number

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(iii) Integers

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Let us now represent Rational numbers on number line.

3
For example, to represent on a number line, divide the distance between 0 and 1
10
on it into 10 equal parts and mark the third division as the given rational number
as shown in the �igure.

0 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Here the denominator is 10 and divided 10 equal parts in between 0 and 1.

Consider another example

-5
Represent the on a number line, divide the distance between 0 and -1
12
on it into 12 equal parts and mark the �ifth division as the given rational number
as shown in the �igure.

-1 0

-12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Here the denomenator is 12 so divided 12 equal parts between0 an -1.

i.e. any rational number can be represented by number line in this way.

Note:
In a rational number, the number below th bar is known as denominator and number
above the bar is known as numerator. And the denominator is tells the number of
equal parts into which the �irst unit has to be divided. The numerator thell ‘how many’
of these parts are consudered.

For example,

Represent the rational number 4 on a number line.

9
0 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

1.8 Rational numbers between any two rational numbers

There exist a rational numbers between two rtaional numbers .

The rational numbers between two rational numbers can be found by �ind the equalent
fractions of the given rational numbers.
i.e. if denominator are not same, then �irsly covert with the same denominators.

For example,
2 8
Find the rational numbers between and
10 10
3 4 5 6 7 2 8
Now, , , , , are numbers between and .
10 10 10 10 10 10 10

4 40 8 80
But can be represented as and so, as .
10 100 10 100

40 80 41 42 43 79
Thus the numbers between and are , , ,.......,
100 100 100 100 100 100
The number of these rational numbers is 39.
4 400 8 800
Also, in the same way can be represented as and so, as
10 1000 10 1000

401 402 403 799 4 8

Now, get the rational numbers , , ,......., in between and .
1000 1000 1000 1000 10 10

Thus, get 399 numbers in all

This will lead to more rational numbers.

Thus, there are countless or an in�inite numbers of rational numbers between any
two rational numbers. This property is known as density property.

Another method to �ind rational numbers between two rational

number
æ ö
If p and q are two rational numbers, then their arithmetic mean,çç p + q ÷÷ is a rational
çè 2 ÷ø
number that lies between p and q.
æ p + q ö÷
çç
çè 2 ÷÷ø

p q
For example
1 1
Find the rational number between and .
6 3

1 1
Let p = and q =
6 3
1 1 1 1×2 1 2 3 1
Then p + q = + = + = + = =
6 3 6 3×2 6 6 6 2
p+q 1
The mean = ÷2
2 2
1 1 1
= × =
2 2 4
1 1 1
i.e. the rational number between and is
6 3 4
Example 6: Write any 3 rational number between -2 and 0.

Solution:
-2 0
-2 can be written as and 0 as
10 10

-20 0 -19 -18 -17 -1

Then the rational numbers between and are , , ,..............,
10 10 10 10 10 10

-5 5
Example 7: Find any ten rational numbers between and .
6 8

Solution:

Conver the rational number -5 and 5 to rational numbers with the same denomenator.
6 8

-5 -5 × 4 -20 5 5 × 3 15
i.e. = = and = =
6 6×4 24 8 8 × 3 24

-20 15 -19 -18 -17 -16 14

The rational numbers between and are , , , ,.......,
24 24 24 24 24 24 24

1 1
Example 8: Find a rational between and .
4 2

Solution: Using the concept of arithmetic mean

1 1
Let p = and q =
4 2

æ p + q ö÷ æ 1 1 ö÷
Then çç ÷ = çç + ÷ ÷ 2
èç 2 ÷ø çè 4 2 ø÷
æ 1 é 1 × 2 ù ö÷
= çç + ê ú÷ ÷ 2
èç 4 êë 2 × 2 úû ø÷
 æ1 2ö
= çç + ÷÷÷ ÷ 2
çè 4 4 ø æ 1 1 ö÷
çç + ÷ ÷ 2
3 çè 4 2÷ø
= ÷2
4
3 1 1 3 1
= ×
4 2 4 8 2
3
=
8

1 1
Example 9: Find three rational number between and
4 2

Solution:
3
Mean of the given rational number is
8

1 3 1 1 3 1
< <
4 8 2 4 8 2

1 3
Now �ind the mean between and
4 8
1 3
Let p = and q =
4 8
æ p + q ö÷ æ 1 3 ö÷
Then çç =ç + ÷2
çè 2 ÷÷ø ççè 4 8 ø÷÷
æ é 1 × 2 ù 3 ö÷
= çç ê ú + ÷÷2
èç êë 4 × 2 úû 8 ø÷
æ2 3ö
= çç + ÷÷÷ ÷ 2
çè 8 8 ø
5
= ÷2
8
5 1
= ×
8 2
1 5 3 1
5
= 4 16 8 2
16
 1 5 3
Thus < <
4 16 8

3 1
Now �ind the mean of and
8 2
3 1
Let p = and q =
8 2
æ p + q ö÷ æ 3 1 ö÷
Then çç =ç + ÷2
çè 2 ø÷÷ çèç 8 2÷ø÷
æ 3 é 1 × 4 ù ö÷
= çç + ê ú÷ ÷ 2
çè 8 êë 2 × 4 úû ÷ø
æ3 4ö
= çç + ÷÷÷ ÷ 2
çè 8 8 ø
7
= ÷2
8
7 1
= ×
8 2
7
=
16 1 5 3 7 1
4 16 8 16 2
3 7 1
Thus < <
8 16 2

1 7 3 7 1
i.e. < < < <
4 16 8 16 2

æ 1 3 ö÷ æ ö
çç + ÷ ÷ 2 çç 3 + 1 ÷÷ ÷ 2
çè 4 8 ø÷ çè 8 2÷ø

1 5 3 7 1
4 16 8 16 2
 EXERCISE 1.2

7 -5
1 Represent thr numbers on the number line. (i) (ii)
4 6
Answer
7 1
(i) To represent , make marking each of distance equal to on the right of 0. The
4 4
7
7th point represent the rational number
4

1 2

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

-5 1
(ii) To represent , make marking each distance equal to on the left of 0. The 5th
6 6

point on left to 0 represent the rational number

0
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
6 6 6 6 6 6 6

-2 -5 -9
2 Represent , , on the number line.
11 11 11
Answer

-1 0

-12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

3 Write �ive rational numbers which are smaller than 2.

 Answer

There can be in�initely many rational number smallerthan 2. Five of them are
1 -1
1, , 0, -1,
2 2

-2 1
4 Find any ten rational numbers between and .
5 2

Answer
-2 1
Firstly, we have to covert and into rational numbers with the same denominator
5 2
such that the defference between the numerator is more than 10.
-2 -2 × 4 -8 [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 4]
i.e = =
5 5×4 20

1 1 × 10 10
and = = [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 10]
2 2 × 10 20

so, the numbers are

-8 and 10
20 20

-8
The ten rational numbers between and 10 are
20 20

-7 -6 -5 -4 -2 -1 1 2 3
, , , , , , 0, , ,
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

5 Find �ive rational numbers between.

2 4 -3 5
(i) and (ii) and (iii)
3 5 2 3
Answer

2 4
(i) Convert the rational numbers and to the same denominator more than 5.
3 5
2 2 × 20 40 [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 20]
= =
3 3 × 20 60
4 4 × 12 48 [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 12]
= =
5 5 × 12 60

40 æç 2 ö÷ 48 æç 4 ö÷ 41 42 43 44 45
The 5 rational numbers between = ç ÷÷ and = ç ÷÷ are , , , ,
60 çè 3 ø 60 èç 5 ø 60 60 60 60 60

-3 5
(ii) Convert the rational numbers and to the same denominator more than 5.
2 3
-3 -3 × 3 -9
= =
2 2×3 6
5 5 × 2 10
= =
3 3×2 6

-9 æç -3 ö÷ 10 æç 5 ö÷ -7 -8 1 2
The 5 rational numbers between = ç ÷÷ and = ç ÷÷ are , , 0, ,
6 èç 2 ø 6 èç 3 ø 6 6 6 6

1 1
(iii) Convert the rational numbers and to the same denominator more than 5.
4 2

1 1×8 8
= = [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 8]
4 4 × 8 32
1 1 × 16 16 [ multiplying the numerator and denomenator both by 16]
= =
2 2 × 16 32

8 æç 1 ö÷ 16 æç 1 ö÷ 9 10 11 12 13
The 5 rational numbers between = ç ÷÷ and = ç ÷÷ are , , , ,
32 çè 4 ø 32 èç 2 ø 32 32 32 32 32
Write �ive rational numbers greater than -2.

Answer

There are in�initely many rational numbers greater than -2.

-3 -3 -3
Five of then are , -1, , 0,
2 2 2

3 3
Find ten rational numbers between and .
5 4

Answer
3 3
Firstly, we have to covert and into rational numbers with the same denominator
5 4
such that the defference between the numerator is more than 10.
3 3 × 20 60
i.e = =
5 5 × 20 100
3 3 × 25 75
= =
4 4 × 25 100

60 çæ 3 ö÷ 75 æç 3 ö÷
so, the numbers are = ç ÷÷ and =ç ÷
100 çè 5 ø 100 çè 4 ø÷

60 æç 3 ÷ö 75 æç 3 ö÷
The ten rational numbers between = ç ÷÷ and = ç ÷ are
100 èç 5 ø 100 èç 4 ø÷

61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
, , , , , , , , ,
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Takeaway Notes
Rational numbers can be represented in a number line.

In rational numbers, the number below the bar is known as denominator and number
above the bar is known as numerator.

There are in�inite rational numbers in between the two rational numbers.

The idea of mean helps us to �ind rational numbers between two rational numbers.
 Topic Assessment

Multiple Choice Question

Q1 When represent the rational number 1 on number line, the �irst unit has been divided
3
into equal parts.

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 1 (d) none of the above

Answer - (b)

Q2 The numerator of the rational number 41 is

43
(a) 43 (b) 42 (c) 41 (d) all the above

Answer - (c)

Q3 How many rational number occur of in between two rational numbers

(a) 3 (b)1 (c) 0 (d) In�inite

Answer - (d)

Q4 Which of the following is the rational number between -2 and 1

(a) 0 (b) -1 (c) -1/2 (d) All of the above

Answer - (d)

Q5 Find the rational number between 0 and 5 in the following

(a)-1/2 (b) -3 (c) 5/2 (d) None of the above

Answer - (c)

Q6 The mean of the rational number 1/4 and 3/4 is

(a)1/2 (b) 1 (c) 0 (d) None of the above

Answer -(a)
 2 3
Q7 The rational number between the rational numbers and
3 2
5 6 7
(a) (b) (c) (d) All the above
6 6 6
Answer - (d)

Q8 The rational number between the 0 and -4

-5 3
(a) -2 (b) (c) (d) All the above
2 2
Answer - (a)
 Solution for MCQ

1. The denominator of the rational number 1/3 is 3, and the denomianator of the
rational number tells the number of equal parts in �irst unit.

2. The numerator of the rational number 41/43 is 41 and the numerator is the above
the bar of the rational number.

3. There are in�inite rational numbers in between the rational number

4. -1, 0, -1/2 all are the rational numbers in between the numbers -2 and 1.

5. 5/2 is the rational number between the rational numbers 0 and 5.

6. The mean of the artional number 1/4 and 3/4 are

æ 1 3 ö÷
çç + ÷ ÷ 2 = 4 ÷ 2
çè 4 4 ø÷ 4
=1÷2
1
=1×
2
1
=
2
The mean is 1/2

7. 2 2×2 4
= =
3 3×2 6
3 3×3 9
= =
2 2×3 6
4 æç 2 ö÷ 9 æ3ö 5 6 7
The rational numbers between = ç ÷÷and = çç ÷÷÷ are , ,
6 èç 3 ø 6 èç 2ø 6 6 6
Rivision Note

Rational Numbers
p
The numbers that can be expressed in the form of , where p and q are integers and
q
q ≠ 0, are called rational numbers.

The properties of rational numbers

The rational numbers are closed under the fudamental operation such as addition,
subtraction, and multiplication but not closed under division.

Rational numbers are commutative under the fundemental operations such as

addition and subtraction but not commutative under subtraction and division.

Rational numbers are associative under addition and multiplication but not
associative uner subtraction and division.

The role of zero : When 0 added to a rational number, the sum is the number itself
i.e. a + 0 = 0 + a = a
2 2 2
e.g. Let a = , then + 0 =
3 3 3
So, 0 is is called additive identity of whole numbers

The role of 1 : When 1 multiplied to a rational number, the product itself

i.e. a × 1 = 1 × a = a
5 5 5
e.g. a = , then × 1 =
7 7 7

Negative or identitive inverse of a rational number :

Let a rational number

a , then a æç -a ö÷ -a a
+ç ÷= + =0
b b çè b ÷ø b b

-a a a æ -a ö
i.e. is the addtive inverse of and is the additive inverse of çç ÷÷÷.
b b b çè b ø
 a 4 -4 4
Let = , the is the additive identity of ,
b 3 3 3
4 æ -4 ö -4 4
i.e. + çç ÷÷÷ = + =0
3 çè 3 ø 3 3

Reciprocal of a rational numbers:

a
A rational number is called the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of another
b
c a c
rational number , if × =1
d b d

a 5 c 9 5 9
e.g. Let = and = , then × = 1
b 9 d 5 9 5
5 9 9 5
i.e. is called the reciprocal of and is called the reciprocal of
9 5 5 9

Distributivity of multiplication over addtion and subtraction for sational

numbers

Let any three rational numbers a, b and c then,

a × (b + c) = ab + ac
a × (b - c) = ab - ac

Rational numbers on the number line

2
Rational numbers can be represent on number line. is represented number line is
5
first divide 5 equal parts from 0 to 1.

0 1

1 2 3 4 5
5 5 5 5 5

Rational numbers can be represent on number line, in a rational number numeral

below the bar is known as denomenator, tells the number of equal parts into which
the first unit has been divided. The numeral above the bar is known as numerator
tells how many of these part are considered.
Rational numbers between two rational numbers

Between any two rational number there are countles or in�inite rational numbers.

For �inding rational numbers between the rational numbers �irst convert the
rational numbers withthe same denominator.
1 2
e.g. Find the rational numbers between and .
10 5

2 2×2 4 [ Multiply both side with 2]

= =
5 5 × 2 10

1 4 æç 2ö÷ 2 3
The numbers between the rational numbers and = ç ÷÷ are ,
10 10 çè 5 ø 10 10

Another method

Using the concept of arithmetic mean �ind the rational numbers between the
rational numbers.
æ p + q ö÷
Let p and q are rational numbers then çç is the mean of the rational numbers
çè 2 ÷÷ø
p and q and also a rational number.
 Rivision Question

3 2 7
1 Verify the property x × ( y + z) = xy + xz, for: x = ,y=- ,z=-
5 5 5

3 æ 2 7ö
Answer: x × (y + z) = × çç- + - ÷÷÷
5 çè 5 5ø
3 æ -2 + -7 ö÷
= × çç ÷
5 çè 5 ø÷
3 -9
= ×
5 5
-27
=
5

3 2 3 7
xy = ×- and xz = ×-
5 5 5 5
-6 -21
= =
25 25

-6 -21
xy + xz = +
25 25
-6 + -21
=
25
-27
=
25

Thus x × ( y + z) = xy + xz

2 Verify the following:

éæ -13 ö æ -15 öù 1 æ -13ö éæ -15ö 1 ù

êçç ÷÷ × ç ÷÷ú × = ç ÷÷ × êçç ÷÷ × ú
êëèç 19 ø÷ èçç 13 ø÷ûú 7 èçç 19 ø÷ êëèç 13 ø÷ 7 ûú
 Answer:

éæ -13 ö æ -15 öù 1 15 1 15
LHS = êççç ÷÷ × çç ÷÷ú × = × =
÷ ÷
êëè 19 ø èç 13 øúû 7 19 7 133

æ -13 ö÷ éæ -15 ö 1 ù -13 -15 15 15

RHS = ççç ÷× êçç ÷÷ × ú = × = =
è 19 ø÷ ç ÷
êëè 13 ø 7 úû 19 13 × 7 19 × 7 133

∴ LHS = RHS

æ -29 7 ö÷ -6 æç -29 -6 ö÷ æç 7 -6 ö
3 verify the following: ççç + ÷÷ × =ç × ÷÷ + ç × ÷÷÷
è 19 38 ø 5 çè 19 5 ø èç 38 5 ø

æ -29 7 ö÷ -6 æç -29 -6 ö÷ æç 7 -6 ö
çç + ÷× =ç × ÷÷ + ç × ÷÷÷
èç 19 38 ÷ø 5 çè 19 5 ø èç38 5 ø
æ -29 × 2 7 ö÷ -6 174 42
çç + × = -
çè 19 × 2 38 ø÷÷ 5 95 190
æ -58 7 ö÷
-6 174 × 2 42
çç + × = -
çè 38 38 ÷÷ø 5 95 × 2 190
-51 -6 348 42
× = -
38 5 190 190
153 306
=
95 190
153 153
=
95 95

-5
4 What number should be sutract from to get 0?
4

Answer:

Let the number sutracted be x,

-5
then - x =0
4
-5
x=
4
 -7 9
5 What should be added to , so as to get
12 16

Answer

Let the number added be x

-7 9
+x=
12 16
9 7
x= +
16 12
9 × 12 7×12
= +
16 × 12 12×16
108 112
= +
192 192
108 + 112
=
192
220
=
192
55
=
48

6 What should be added to æçç 1 + 1 + 1 ö÷÷ get 4?

çè 2 3 5 ÷ø

Answer:
1 1 1 æç 1 × 3 1 × 2 ö÷ 1
+ + =ç + ÷+
2 3 5 çè 2 × 3 3 × 2 ø÷ 5
æ3 2ö 1
= çç + ÷÷÷ +
çè 6 6 ø 5
3+2 1
= +
6 5
5 1
= +
6 5
5×5 1×6
= +
6×5 5×6
25 6
= +
30 30
 25 + 6
=
30
31
=
30

Let the number the number added to x

31
+x=4
30
31
x=4-
30
4 × 30 - 31
=
30
120 - 31
=
30
89
=
30

2 3 5 3 1
7 Using appropriate properties to �ind: - × + - ×
3 5 2 5 6

Answer

2 3 5 3 1 3 æç 2 1 ö÷ 5
- × + - × = ç- - ÷ +
3 5 2 5 6 5 çè 3 6 ø÷ 2
3æ 4 1ö 5
= çç- - ÷÷÷ +
5 çè 6 6 ø 2
3 æ -5 ö 5
= × çç ÷÷÷ +
5 çè 6 ø 2
1 -5
= +
2 2
4
=
2
=2
 1 æç -3 ö÷ 1 3 1 2
8 Using appropriate properties �ind: × ç ÷÷ - × + ×
ç
5 è 7 ø 6 2 14 5

Answer:
1 æç 2 ö÷ 1 3 1 2 2 é2 1ù 3
× ç ÷÷ - × + × = ê + ú-
5 çè 5 ø 6 2 14 5 5 êë 5 14 úû 12
2 é -6 1ù 3
= ê + ú-
5 êë 14 14 úû 12
2 é -5 ù 3
= ê ú-
5 êë 14 úû 12
-1 1
= -
7 4
-4 - 7
=
28
-11
=
28

9 Simplify: (-4) × 3 × (-9)

9 5 10

Answer:
(-4) 3 (-9) 3 2 6
× × = × =
9 5 10 5 5 25

10 Siplify :
(-11) 4 21
× ×
7 14 33

Answer
(-11) 4 21 (-11) 21 2
× × = × ×
7 14 33 7 33 7
-3 2
= ×
3 7
-2
=
7
 é -28 ù é -5 ù
11 Simplify: ê ú÷ê ú
êë 27 úû êë 9 úû

Answer:
é -28 ù é -5 ù -28 9
ê ú ÷ ê ú= ×
êë 27 úû êë 9 úû 27 -5
-28 1
= ×
3 -5
28
=
15

é -8 ù 2
12 Simplify: ê ú ÷
êë 35 úû 3

Answer:
é -8 ù 2 -8 3
ê ú÷ = ×
êë 35 úû 3 35 2
-4 3
= ×
35 1
-12
=
35

26
13 The product of two numbers is 16 . If one of the number is - , �ind the other
3 3
number.

Answer:

Let the other number be x,

26 16
- ×x=
3 3
16 3
x= ×-
3 26
-8
=
13
 -5 3
14 By what number must be multiplied, so that the product is .
8 4

Answer

Let the number mulplied be x,

5 3
then - ×x=
8 4
3 æ 8ö
x = × çç- ÷÷÷
4 çè 5 ø
3 æ 2ö
= × çç- ÷÷÷
1 çè 5 ø
-6
=
5

15 Compare the following rational numbers using the number line.

-4 -1
and
3 3

Answer
-2 -1 0
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
3 3 3 3 3 3 3

-4
The number in between -1 and -2 and the number -1 in between 0 and -1.
3 3
2 5
16 Compare the two rational numbers and . which is greater than?
9 6

Answer

Convert the rational numbers 2 and 5 into same denominator.

9 6
 2 2×2 4 5 5 × 3 15
= = and = =
9 9 × 2 18 6 6 × 3 18
5
\ is greater
6
-1 5
17 Compair the two rational numbers and . which is greater?
8 -4

Answer
-1 5
Convert the rational numbers and into same denominator.
8 -4

-1 -1 × 10 -10 5 5 × 20 100
= = and = =
8 8 × 10 80 -4 -4 × 20 80

5
\ is greater
-4

18 Compare the following rational numbers using number line.

2 -4 -1
(i) 0 and (ii) and
3 4 4

Answer

0 1 2 3
(i)
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

-1 0
(ii)
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
 1 -4 2 -1 3
Express , , , ,
3 3 3 3 3

Answer
1
-2 -1 0
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

-55 -22
20 By what number should be added to get ?
18 9
Answer

Let x be the number to be added, then

-55 -22
+x=
18 9
-22 55
x= +
9 18
-44 55
= +
18 18
11
=
18
Key Words and its de�initions

Rational numbers : Number that can be expressed in the form p where p and q are
q
integers and q ≠ 0.

Denominator: In rational number, number below the bar.

Numerator: In rational number, Number above the bar.

 Mind Map

Number that can be

expressed in the form
p where p and q are ‘0’ is the additive identity of
q Rational number
integers and q ≠ 0.

De�inition

Rational Numbers

‘1’ is the multiplicative

identity of Rational number
Properties

Closure Commutative Associative Distributive

Rational numbers Rational numbers Rational numbers Rational numbers

are closed under are commutative are associative under are distributivity of
addition, subtraction under addition and addition, subtraction multiplication over
and multiplication multiplication and multiplication addition, subtraction