Real Numbers

01
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Let us have a brief review of various types of numbers.
Consider the following numbers.

1 3 13 −5 213 −69 22
7, 100, 9, 11, -3, 0, − , 5, 1, , −1, 0.12, − , 13.222 ..., 19, , , , ,
4 7 17 3 4 1 7 5.6
John and Sneha want to label the above numbers and put them in the bags they
belong to. Some of the numbers are in their respective bags..... Now you pick up rest of the
numbers and put them into the bags to which they belong. If one number can go in more
than one bag then copy the number and put them in the relevent bags.

3
7

Q
Z 3 0, 7,
W -9,
0, -10,
7, , 9, 7,
7, 7,
0, 9, 7100, -3,
−3,3, 7
0, 1,
7,7,8, N 10,100
11, ... -2,-3
100 100
100,
101

You have observed bag N contains natural numbers. Bag W contains whole numbers.
Bag Z contains integers and bag Q contains rational numbers.
The bag Z contains integers which is the collection of negative numbers and whole
numbers. It is denoted by I or Z and we write,
Z = {... −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …}
p
Similarly the bag Q contains all numbers that are of the form where p and q are
q
integers and q ≠ 0.
You might have noticed that natural numbers, whole numbers, integers and rational
p
numbers can be written in the form , where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0.
q
2 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

−15
For example, -15 can be written as ; here p = -15 and q = 1. Look at the Example
1
1 2 10 50
= = = ... and so on. These are equivalent rational numbers (or fractions). It
2 4 20 100
p
means that the rational numbers do not have a unique representation in the form , where
q
p
p and q are integers and q ≠ 0. However, when we say q is a rational number or when we

represent on a number line, we assume that q ≠ 0 and that p and q have no common factors
other than the universal factor ‘1’ (i.e., p and q are co-primes.) There are infinitely many fractions
1 1
equivalent to , we will choose i.e., the simplest form to represent all of them.
2 2
You know that how to represent whole numbers on the number line. We draw a line and
mark a point ‘0’ on it. Then we can set off equal distances on the right side of the point ‘0’ and
label the points of division as 1, 2, 3, 4, …

0 1 2 3 4
The integer number line is made like this,
Do you remember how to represent the rational numbers on a number line?

− 5 − 4 − 3 −2 − 1 0 1 2 3 4 5
3
To recall this, let’s first take the fraction and represent it pictorially as well as on number line.
4
3
We know that in , 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
4
Which means that 3 parts are taken out of 4 equal parts from a given unit.

3
Here are few representations of .
4

1234
4444
-1 0 1 1 2
2
3 3
4 (Pictorially) 4 (Number line)

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 REAL NUMBERS 3

5 5
Example-1. Represent and − on the number line.
3 3
Solution : Draw an integer line representing −2, −1, 0, 1, 2.

-7 -2 -5 -4 -1 -2 -1 0 1 2 1 4 5 2 7
3 (= -6 ) 3 3 ( = -3 ) 3 3 3 3 (= 3 ) 3 3 (= 6 ) 3
3 3 3 3

Divide each unit into three equal parts to the right and left sides of zero respectively.
5
Take five parts out of these. The fifth point on the right of zero represents and the fifth
3
−5
one to the left of zero represents .
3
DO THIS
−3 p
1. Represent on the number line. 2. Write 0, 7, 10, -4 in form.
4 q
3. Guess my number : Your friend chooses an integer between 0 and
100. You have to find out that number by asking questions, but your
friend can answer only in ‘yes’ or ‘no’. What strategy would you
use?

Example-2. Are the following statements True? Give reasons for your answers with an
example.
i. Every rational number is an integer.
ii. Every integer is a rational number
iii. Zero is a rational number
7
Solution : i.False: For example, is a rational number but not an integer.
8
p
ii. True: Because any integer can be expressed in the form (q ≠ 0) for example
q
−2 −4
-2 = = . Thus it is a rational number.
1 2
b
(i.e. any integer ‘b’ can be represented as )
1
0 0 0 p
iii. True: Because 0 can be expressed as , , ( form, where p, q are integers
2 7 13 q
and q ≠ 0)
0
(‘0’ can be represented as where ‘x’ is an integer and x ≠ 0)
x

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4 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

Example-3. Find two rational numbers between 3 and 4 by mean method.

Solution :
Method-I : We know that the rational number that lies between two rational numbers
a+b
a and b can be found using mean method i.e. .
2
a+b
Here a = 3 and b = 4, (we know that is the mean of two integers ‘a’, ‘b’ and it
2
lies between ‘a’ and ‘b’)
(3 + 4) 7 7
So, = which is in between 3 and 4. 3 < < 4
2 2 2
7
If we continue the above process, we can find many more rational numbers between 3 and
2
3 + 72 6+27 132 13 13
= = = =
2 2 2 2× 2 4
13 7
3< < < 4
4 2
Method-II : The other option to find two rational numbers in single step.
Since we want two numbers, we write 3 and 4 as rational numbers with denominator 2 + 1
=3
3 6 9 4 8 12 16
i.e., 3 = = = and 4 = = = =
1 2 3 1 2 3 4
10 11
Then you can see that , are rational numbers between 3 and 4.
3 3
9 ⎛ 10 11 ⎞ 12
3= <⎜ < ⎟< =4
3 ⎝ 3 3⎠ 3
Now if you want to find 5 rational numbers between 3 and 4, then we write 3 and 4
as rational number with denominator 5 + 1 = 6.
18 24 18 ⎛ 19 20 21 22 23 ⎞ 24
i.e. 3 = and 4 = 3= < ⎜ , , , <, ⎟= 4
6 6 6 ⎝ 6 6 6 6 6 ⎠ 6
From this, you might have realised the fact that there are infinitely many rational
numbers between 3 and 4. Check, whether this holds good for any other two rational
numbers? Thus we can say that , there exist infinite number of rational numbers between
any two given rational numbers.

DO THIS
i. Find any five rational numbers between 2 and 3 using mean method.
3 8
ii. Find any 10 rational numbers between − and .
11 11

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 REAL NUMBERS 5

7 10
Example-4. Express , and 2 in decimal form.
16 7 3
Solution : 0.4375 1.428571 0.666
16 7.00000 7 10 3 2.0000
0 7 18
70 30 20
64 28 18
60 20 20
48 14 18
120 60 2
112 56
80 40
80 35
0 50 2
10 49 ∴ = 0.666 = 0.6
7 ∴ =1.428571 3
∴ = 0.4375 7
16 10 is a non-terminating
is a non-terminating
is a terminating decimal 7 recurring decimal
recurring decimal
3
From above examples, we notice that every rational number can be expressed as a
terminating decimal or a non terminating recurring decimal.

DO THIS
1 1
Express (i) (ii) in decimal form.
17 19
p
Example -5. Express 3.28 in the form of (where p and q are integers, q ≠ 0 ).
q
328
Solution : 3.28 =
100
328 ÷ 2 164
= =
100 ÷ 2 50
164 ÷ 2 82
= = (Numerator and denominator are co-primes)
50 ÷ 2 25
82
∴ 3.28 =
25

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6 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

p
Example-6. Express 1.62 in form where q ≠ 0 ; p, q are integers.
q
Solutions : Let x = 1.626262..... (1)
multiplying both sides of equation (1) by 100, we get
100x = 162.6262... (2)
Subtracting (2) from (1) we get
100x = 162.6262...
x = 1.6262...
- -
99x = 161

161
x =
99

161
∴1.62 =
99

TRY THESE
I. Find the decimal values of the following:
1 1 1 1
i. ii. iii. iv.
2 22 5 5× 2
3 27 1 7
v. vi. vii. viii.
10 25 3 6
5 1
ix. x.
12 7

Observe the following decimals

1 1 32 1 4
= 0.5 = 0.1 = 6.4 = 0.333 ... = 0.26
2 10 5 3 15

Can you guess the character of the denominator of a fraction which can be in the
form of terminating decimal?
Write prime factors of denominator of each rational number.
What did you observe from the results?

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 REAL NUMBERS 7

EXERCISE - 1.1
XERCISE

1. (a) Write any three rational numbers

(b) Explain rational number in your own words.
2. Give one example each to the following statements.
i. A number which is rational but not an integer
ii. A whole number which is not a natural number
iii. An integer which is not a whole number
iv. A number which is natural number, whole number, integer and rational number.
v. A number which is an integer but not a natural number.
3. Find five rational numbers between 1 and 2.
3 2
4. Insert three rational numbers between and
5 3
8 −8
5. Represent and on the number line
5 5
6. Express the following rational numbers in decimal form.
242 354 2 115
I. i) ii) iii) iv)
1000 500 5 4
2 25 22 11
II. i) ii) − iii) iv)
3 36 7 9
p
7. Express each of the following decimals in form where q ≠ 0 and p, q are integers
q
i) 0.36 ii) 15.4 iii) 10.25 iv) 3.25
p
8. Express each of the following decimal numbers in form
q
i) 0.5 ii) 3.8 iii) 0.36 iv) 3.127
9. Without actually dividing find which of the following are terminating decimals.

3 11 13 41
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
25 18 20 42

1.2 IRRATION
RRATIONAL NUMBERS
TIONAL

Let us take a look at the number line again. Are we able to represent all the numbers
on the number line? The fact is that there are infinite numbers left on the number line.

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8 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

43
34

–16 –9 –4 0 3 8 14
To understand this, consider these equations
(i) x2 = 4 (ii) 3x = 4 (iii) x2 = 2
For equation (i) we know that value of x for this equation are 2 and −2. We can plot
2 and −2 on the number line.
3x 4 4
For equation (ii) 3x = 4 on dividing both sides by, 3 we get = ⇒ x = . We
3 3 3
can plot this on the number line.
When we solve the equation (iii) x2 = 2, taking square root on both the sides of the
equation ⇒ x2 = 2 ⇒ x = ± 2 . Let us consider x = 2.
Can we represent 2 on number line ?
What is the value of 2 ? To which numbers does 2 belong?
Let us find the value of 2 by long division method.

1.4142135
1 2. 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 Step 1 : After 2, place decimal point.
1 Step 2 : After decimal point write 0’s.
24 100 Step 3 : Group ‘0’ in pairs and put a bar
96 over them.
281 400 Step 4 : Then follow the method to find
281 the square root of perfect square.
2824 11900
11296
28282 60400
56564
282841 383600
282841
2828423 10075900
8485269
28284265 159063100
141421325
28284270 17641775 ∴ 2 = 1.4142135 …

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 REAL NUMBERS 9

If you go on finding the value of 2 , you observe that 2 =1.4142135623731..... is

neither terminating nor repeating decimal.
So far we have observed that the decimal number is either terminating or non-
p
terminating repeating decimal, which can be expressed in form. These are known as
q
rational numbers.
But decimal number for 2 is non-terminating and non-recurring decimal. Can you
represent this using bar? No we can’t. These type of numbers are called irrational numbers
p
and they can’t be represented in p/q form. That is 2 ≠ (for any integers p and q, q ≠ 0).
q
Similarly 3 = 1.7320508075689.....
5 = 2.2360679774998.....
These are non-terminating and non-recurring decimals. These are known as irrational
numbers and are denoted by ‘S’ or ‘Q1’.
Examples of irrational numbers
(1) 2.1356217528..., 2, 3, π , etc.
(2)
In 5th Century BC the Pythagoreans in Greece, the followers of the famous
mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, were the first to discover the numbers
which were not rationals. These numbers are called irrational numbers. The
Pythagoreans proved that 2 is irrational number. Later Theodorus of Cyrene
showed that 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 are also
irrational numbers. There is a reference of irrationals in calculation of square
roots in Sulba Sutra (800 BC).
Observe the following table If ‘n’ is a natural number
= 1 other than a perfect
1
= 1.414213..... square then n is an
2
irrational number
3 = 1.7320508.....
4 = 2
5 = 2.2360679.....
6 =
7 =
8 =
9 = 3

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10 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

Now, can you classify the numbers in the table as rational and irrational numbers?

1, 4, 9 - are rational numbers.

2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 - are irrational numbers.

THINK DISCUSS AND WRITE

2 p
Kruthi said
2 can be written as 1 which is in q form. So 2 is a rational
number. Do you agree with her argument ?

Know About π
c
π is defined as the ratio of the circumference (C) of a circle to its diameter (d). i.e. π =
d
As π is in the form of ratio, this seems to contradict the fact that π is irrational. The
circumference (C) and the diameter (d) of a circle are incommensurable. i.e. there does
not exist a common unit to measure that allows us to measure the both numerator and
denominator. If you measure accurately then atleast either C or d is irrational. So π is
regarded as irrational.
The Greek genius Archimedes was the first to compute the value of π . He
showed the value of π lie between 3.140845 and 3.142857. (i.e., 3.140845 < π <
3.142857) Aryabhatta (476-550 AD), the great Indian mathematician and
astronomer, found the value of π correctly upto four decimal places 3.1416. Using
high speed computers and advanced algorithms, π has been computed to over 1.24
trillion decimal places .
π =3.14159265358979323846264338327950 ….. The decimal expansion of π is
non-terminating non-recurring. So π is an irrational number. Note that, we often
22 22
take as an approximate value of π , but π ≠ .
7 7
We celebrate March 14th as π day since it is 3.14 (as π = 3.14159 ....). What a
coincidence, Albert Einstein was born on March 14th, 1879!

TRY THESE
Find the value of 3 upto six decimals.

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 REAL NUMBERS 11

1.3 Representing irrational numbers on Number line

We have learnt that there exist a rational number between any two rational numbers.
Therefore, when two rational numbers are represented by points on number line, we can
use a point to represent a rational number between them. So there are infinitely many
points representing rational numbers. It seems that the number line is consisting of points
which represent rational numbers only. Is it true? Can’t you represent 2 on number line?
Let us discuss and locate irrational numbers such as 2, 3 on the number line.

Example-7. Locate 2 on number line

Solution : At O draw a unit square OABC on number line with each side 1 unit in length.

By Pythagoras theorem OB = 12 + 12 = 2

C B
2 2
1
O 1
-7 -3 -5 -2 -3 -1 -1 0 1 A1 K3 2 5 3 7
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Fig. (i)

We have seen that OB = 2 . Using a compass with centre O and radius OB, draw an
arc on the right side to O intersecting the number line at the point K. Now K corresponds
to 2 on the number line.

Example-8. Locate 3 on the number line.

Solution : Let us return to fig. (i)

3 1
C B
2
1 3
O A
1
K L
-7 -3 -5 -2 -3 -1 -1 0 1 1 3 2 5 3 7
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Fig. (ii)

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12 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

Now construct BD of 1 unit length perpendicular to OB as in Fig. (ii). Join OD

By Pythagoras theorem, OD = ( 2)2 + 12 = 2 + 1 = 3

Using a compass, with centre O and radius OD, draw an arc which intersects the
number line at the point L right side to 0. Then ‘L’ corresponds to
3 . From this we can
conclude that many points on the number line can be represented by irrational numbers
also. In the same way, we can locate n for any positive integers n, after n −1 has
been located.

TRY THESE
2 2 2
Locate 5 and − 5 on number line. [Hint : 5 = (2) + (1) ]

1.3 REAL NUMBERS

All rational numbers can be written in the form of R
p
, where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0. There are also
q
p
other numbers that cannot be written in the form , where 19
q , 7, 8, -2,
p and q are integers and are called irrational numbers. If 2007
we represent all rational numbers and all irrational numbers -7, 100, 2 , 5 ,
and put these on the number line, would there be any point π , 9, 999...
on the number line that is not covered?
The answer is no! The collection of all rational and
irrational numbers completely covers the line. This combination makes a new collection
called Real Numbers, denoted by R. Real numbers cover all the points on the number line.
We can say that every real number is represented by a unique point on the number line.
Also, every point on the number line represents a unique real number. So we call this as
the real number line.
Here are some examples of Real numbers
1 22
−5.6, 21, −2, 0,1, , , π, 2, 7, 9, 12.5, 12.5123..... etc. You may find that
5 7
both rational and Irrationals are included in this collection.

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 REAL NUMBERS 13

1 2
Example-9. Find any two irrational numbers between and .
5 7
1
Solution : We know that = 0.20
5
2
= 0.285714
7
1 2
To find two irrational numbers between and , we need to look at the decimal
5 7
form of the two numbers and then proceed. We can find infinitely many such irrational
numbers.
Examples of two such irrational numbers are
0.201201120111..., 0.24114111411114…, 0.25231617181912..., 0.267812147512 …

1 2
Can you find four more irrational numbers between and ?
5 7

Example-10.Find an irrational number between 3 and 4.

Solution :
If a and b are two positive rational numbers such that ab is not a perfect square of
a rational number, then ab is an irrational number lying between a and b.

∴ An irrational number between 3 and 4 is 3×4 = 3× 4

= 3×2 = 2 3

Example-11. Examine, whether the following numbers are rational or irrational :

(
(i) 3 + 3 + 3 − 3 ) ( ) (
(ii) 3 + 3 3 − 3 )( )
10
( )
2
(iii) (iv) 2 +2
2 5

Solution :

(i) (3 + 3 ) + (3 − 3 ) = 3+ 3 + 3− 3
= 6, which is a rational number.
(ii) (3 + 3 )( 3 − 3 )
We know that ( a + b )( a − b ) ≡ a 2 − b 2 is an identity.

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14 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

( )(
Thus 3 + 3 3 − 3 = 32 − ) ( 3)
2
= 9 − 3 = 6 which is a rational number.

10 10 ÷ 2 5 5× 5
(iii) = = = = 5 , which is an irrational number.
2 5 2 5÷2 5 5

( ) = ( 2)
2 2
(iv) 2 +2 + 2. 2 .2 + 22 = 2 + 4 2 + 4

= 6 + 4 2 , which is an irrational number.

EXERCISE - 1.2
XERCISE

1. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational.

(i) 27 (ii) 441 (iii) 30.232342345…

(iv) 7.484848… (v) 11.2132435465 (vi) 0.3030030003.....

2. Give four examples for rational and irrational numbers?

5 7
3. Find an irrational number between and . How many more there may be?
7 9
4. Find two irrational numbers between 0.7 and 0.77

5. Find the value of 5 upto 3 decimal places.

6. Find the value of 7 up to six decimal places by long division method.

7. Locate 10 on the number line.

8. Find atleast two irrational numbers between 2 and 3.
9. State whether the following statements are true or false. Justify your answers.
(i) Every irrational number is a real number.
(ii) Every rational number is a real number.
(iii) Every real number need not be a rational number

(iv) n is not irrational if n is a perfect square.

(v) n is irrational if n is not a perfect square.

(vi) All real numbers are irrational.

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 REAL NUMBERS 15

ACTIVITY
Constructing the ‘Square root spiral’.
Take a large sheet of paper and construct the ‘Square root spiral’ in the following
manner.
Step 1 : Start with point ‘O’ and draw a line segment OP 1
S 1 R
of 1 unit length. T
1
4 3
Step 2 : Draw a line segment PQ perpendicular to OP of Q
2
unit length (where OP = PQ = 1) (see Fig) 1

Step 3 : Join O, Q. (OQ = 2) O P

1

Step 4 : Draw a line segment QR of unit length perpendicular to OQ .

Step 5 : Join O, R. (OR = 3)

Step 6 : Draw a line segment RS of unit length perpendicular to OR .

Step 7 : Continue in this manner for some more number of steps, you will create a
beautiful spiral made of line segments PQ , QR , RS , ST , TU ... etc. Note
that the line segments OQ , OR , OS , OT , OU ... etc. denote the lengths
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively.

1.4 Re pr esenting R
presenting eal n
Real umber
number
umberss on the Number line thr ough
through
Successiv
Successivee ma gnif
magnif ica
gnifica tion
ication
In the previous section, we have seen that any real number has a decimal expansion.
Now first let us see how to represent terminating decimal on the number line.
Suppose we want to locate 2.776 on the number line. We know that this is a terminating
decimal and this lies between 2 and 3.
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

2 3
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
2.52.6 2.7 2.8 2.9

Fig.(i)

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16 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

So, let us look closely at the portion of the number line between 2 and 3. Suppose we
divide this into 10 equal parts as in Fig.(i). Then the markings will be like 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and
so on. To have a clear view, let us assume that we have a magnifying glass in our hand and
look at the portion between 2 and 3. It will look like what you see in figure (i).
Now, 2.776 lies between 2.7 and 2.8. So, let us focus on the portion between 2.7 and
2.8 (See Fig. (ii). We imagine that this portion has been divided into ten equal parts. The
first mark will represent 2.71, the second is 2.72, and so on. To see this clearly, we magnify
this as shown in Fig(ii).
2 3
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9

2.7 2.8
2.71 2.72 2.73 2.74
2.752.76 2.77 2.78 2.79

Fig.(ii)

2.77 2.78
2.775
2.771 2.772 2.773 2.774 2.776 2.777 2.778 2.779

uYfi
(iii)

Again 2.776 lies between 2.77 and 2.78. So, let us focus on this portion of the number
line see Fig. (iii) and imagine that it has been divided again into ten equal parts. We magnify
it to see it better, as in Fig.(iii).
The first mark represents 2.771, second mark 2.772 and so on, 2.776 is the 6th mark
in these subdivisions.
We call this process of visualization of presentation of numbers on the number line
through a magnifying glass, as the process of successive magnification.
Now let us try and visualize the position of a real number with a non-terminating
recurring decimal expansion on the number line by the process of successive magnification
with the following example.

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 REAL NUMBERS 17

Example-12.Visualise the representation of 3.58 on the number line through successive

magnification upto 4 decimal places.
Solution: Once again we proceed with the method of successive magnification to represent
3.5888 on number line.
3 4
Step 1 : 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

3.5 3.6
3.51 3.52 3.53 3.54
3.553.56 3.57 3.58 3.59
Step 2 :

3.58 3.59
3.585
3.581 3.582 3.583 3.584 3.586 3.587 3.588 3.589

Step 3 :

3.588 3.589
3.5881 3.5883
3.5885 3.5887 3.5889

Step 4 :
3.5888
3.58

EXERCISE - 1.3
XERCISE

1. Visualise 2.874 on the number line, using successive magnification.

2. Visualilse 5.28 on the number line, upto 3 decimal places.

1.5 OPERATIONS
PERATIONS ON REAL NUMBERS
We have learnt, in previous class, that rational numbers satisfy the commutative,
associative and distributive laws under addition and multiplication. And also, we learnt
that rational numbers are closed with respect to addition, subtraction, multiplication. Can
you say irrational numbers are also closed under four fundamental operations?

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18 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

Look at the following examples

( 3 ) + ( − 3 ) = 0 . Here 0 is a rational number.

( 5 ) − ( 5 ) = 0 . Here 0 is a rational number.
( 2 ) .( 2 ) = 2 . Here 2 is a rational number.
7
= 1 . Here 1 is a rational number.
7
What do you observe? The sum, difference, quotients and products of irrational
numbers need not be irrational numbers.
So we can say irrational numbers are not closed with respect to addition, subtraction,
multiplication and divisioin.
Let us see some problems on irrational numbers.

5
Example-13. Check whether (i) 5 2 (ii) (iii) 21 + 3 (iv) π + 3 are irrational numbers
2
or not?
Solution : We know 2 = 1.414... , 3 = 1.732... , π = 3.1415...
(i) 5 2 = 5(1.414…) = 7.070…
5 5 2 5 2 7.070
(ii) = × = = = 3.535… (from i)
2 2 2 2 2
(iii) 21 + 3 = 21+1.732… = 22.732… If q is rational and s is
irrational then q + s, q - s, qs
(iv) π + 3 = 3.1415… + 3 = 6.1415… q
and are irrational numbers
All these are non-terminating, non-recurring decimals. s
Thus they are irrational numbers.

Example-14.Subtract 5 3 + 7 5 from 3 5 − 7 3

Solution : (3 5 − 7 3) − (5 3 + 7 5)

= 3 5 −7 3 − 5 3 −7 5

= −4 5 − 12 3
= − (4 5 + 12 3)

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 REAL NUMBERS 19

Example-15.Multiply 6 3 with 13 3
Solution : 6 3 × 13 3 = 6 × 13 × 3 × 3 = 78 × 3 = 234

We now list some properties relating to square roots, which are useful in various ways.
Let a and b be non-negative real numbers. Then

(i) ab = a b
a a
(ii) = ; if b ≠ 0
b b

(iii) ( a + b )( a − b ) = a − b
(iv) ( a + b )( a − b ) = a − b
2

(v) ( a + b )( c + d ) = ac + ad + bc + bd

( a + b ) = a + 2 ab + b
2
(vi)

(vii) a + b + 2 ab = a + b

Let us look at some particular cases of these properties.

Example-16.Simplify the following expressions:
(i) ( 3 + 3 )( 2 + 2 ) (ii) ( 2 + 3 )( 2 − 3 )
( 5 + 2) (iv) ( 5 − 2 )( 5 + 2 )
2
(iii)

Solution :
(i) ( 3 + 3 )( 2 + 2 ) = 6 + 3 2 + 2 3 + 6
( 2 + 3 )( 2 − 3 ) = 2 − ( 3 ) = 4 - 3 = 1
2
2
(ii)

( 5 + 2 ) = ( 5 ) + 2 5 2 + ( 2 ) = 5 + 2 10 + 2 = 7 + 2
2 2 2
(iii) 10

(iv) ( 5 − 2 )( 5 + 2 ) = ( 5 ) − ( 2 ) = 5 − 2 = 3
2 2

Example-17.Find the square root of 5 + 2 6

Solution : 5+2 6

= 3+ 2 + 2⋅ 3 ⋅ 2 ∵ a + b + 2 ab = a + b
= 3+ 2

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20 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

1.5.1 Rationalising the Denominator

Denominator

Can we locate 1 on the number line ?

2

What is the value of 1 ?

2
How do we find the value? As 2 = 1.4142135..... which is neither terminating nor
repeating. Can you divide 1 with this?

It does not seem to be easy to find 1 .

2

Let us try to change the denominator into a rational form.

To rationalise the denominator of 1 , multiply the numerator and the denominator

2
of 1 by 2 , we get
2
1 1 2 2
= × = . Yes, it is half of 2.
2 2 2 2

2
Now can we plot on the number line ? It lies between 0(zero) and 2.
2

Observe that 2 × 2 =2. Thus we say 2 is the rationalising factor (R.F) of 2

Similarly 2 × 8 = 16 = 4 . Then 2 and 8 are rationalising factors of each other

2 × 18 = 36 = 6 , etc. Among these 2 is the simplest rationalising factor of 2.
Note that if the product of two irrational numbers is a rational number then each of
the two is the rationalising factor (R.F) of the other. Also notice that the R.F. of a given
irrational number is not unique. It is convenient to use the simplest of all R.F.s of given
irrational number.

DO THIS

1 3 1
Find rationalising factors of the denominators of (i) (ii) (iii) .
2 3 5 8

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 REAL NUMBERS 21

1
Example-18.Rationalise the denominator of
4+ 5

( )(
Solution : We know that a + b a − b = a 2 − b )
1
Multiplying the numerator and denominator of by 4 − 5
4+ 5

1 4− 5 4− 5 4− 5 4− 5
× = = =
( 5) 16 − 5
2 11
4+ 5 4− 5 42 −
1
Example-19.If x = 7 + 4 3 then find the value of x +
x
Solution : Given x = 7 + 4 3

1 1 7−4 3 7−4 3 7−4 3

Now = × = =
( )
2
x 7+ 4 3 7−4 3 72 − 4 3 49 − 16 × 3

7−4 3
= = 7−4 3
49 − 48
1
∴x+ = 7 + 4 3 + 7 − 4 3 = 14
x
1 1
Example-20.Simplify +
7+4 3 2+ 5
Solution : The rationalising factor of 7 + 4 3 is 7 − 4 3 and the rationalising factor of
2 + 5 is 2− 5 .
1 1
= +
7+4 3 2+ 5
1 7−4 3 1 2− 5
= × + ×
7+4 3 7−4 3 2+ 5 2− 5
7−4 3 2− 5
= 2 +
7 − (4 3)2 2 2 − ( 5)2
7−4 3 2− 5
= +
49 − 48 (4 − 5)
7−4 3 2− 5
= +
1 (−1)

= 7 −4 3 − 2+ 5 = 5− 4 3 + 5

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22 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

1.5.2 Law of Exponents ffor

Law or rreal
eal number
numbers
umbers

Let us recall the laws of exponents.

⎧a m −n if m > n
m n mn am⎪
m
i) a .a = a n m +n ii) (a ) = a iii) n = ⎨ 1 if m = n
a ⎪ n1−m if m < n
⎩a

1
iv) a m b m = (ab) m v) = a−n vi) a0 = 1 (a ≠ 0)
an
Here a, b ‘m’ and ‘n’ are integers and a ≠ 0. b ≠ 0, a, b are called the base and m, n
are the exponents.
For example

1
i) 73.7 −3 = 7 3+ ( −3) = 7 0 = 1 ii) (23 ) −7 = 2 −21 =
221
23−7
iii) 4
= 23−7− 4 = 23−11 iv) (7)
−13
. ( 3)
−13
= ( 7 × 3)
−13
= ( 21)
−13

23
Suppose we want to do the following computations

4 1
2 1 ⎛ 1⎞ 35 1 1
i) 2 3 .2 3 ii) ⎜ 5 7 ⎟ iii) iv) 717 .1117
⎝ ⎠ 1
33
How do we go about it? The exponents and bases in the above examples are rational
numbers. Thus there is a need to extend the laws of exponents to bases of positive real
numbers and to the exponents as rational numbers. Before we state these laws, we need
first to understand what is nth root of a real number.

We know if 32 = 9 then 9 = 3 (square root of 9 is 3)

i.e., 2
9 =3

( )
1

If 52 = 25 then 25 = ( 25) 2 = 52
1
2× 12
25 = 5 i.e., 2
25 = 5 moreover 2
=5 =5
2

Observe the following

( )
1

If 23 = 8 then
1
3
8 = 2 (cube root of 8 is 2); 3
8 = 8 3 = 23 =2
3

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 REAL NUMBERS 23

( )
1

24 = 16 then 4 16 = 2 (4th root of 16 is 2); 4 16 = (16 ) 4 = 24

1
=2
4

( )
1

25 = 32 then 32 = 2 (5 root of 32 is 2); 5 32 = ( 32 ) 5 = 2

th 1
5 5
=2
5

( )
1

26 = 64 then 64 = 2 (6 root of 64 is 2); 6 64 = ( 64 ) 6 = 2

th 1
6 6
=2
6

.............................................................................................................

( )
1

an = b then b = a (n root of b is a); n b = ( b ) n = a

th 1
Similarly if n n
=a
n

Let a > 0 be a real number and ‘n’ be a positive integer.

If bn = a, for some positive real number ‘b’, then b is called nth root of ‘a’ and we
write n
a = b . In the earlier discussion laws of exponents were defined for integers. Let
us extend the laws of exponents to the bases of positive real numbers and rational exponents.
Let a > 0 be a real number and p and q be rational numbers then, we have
p q pq
i) a p .a q = a p + q ii) (a ) = a
ap
= a p−q
1
iii) q iv) ap.bp = (ab)p v) n
a = an
a
Now we can use these laws to answer the questions asked earlier.
Example-21.Simplify
4 1
2 1 ⎛ 1⎞ 35 1 1
i) 2 3 .2 3 ii) ⎜ 5 7 ⎟ iii) 1
iv) 717 .1117
⎝ ⎠
33

Solution : i) 2 3 .2 3 = 2
2 1
( 23 + 13 ) = 2 33 = 21 = 2
DO THIS
4
⎛ 17 ⎞ 4
Simplify:
5
ii) ⎜ ⎟ = 5 7
⎝ ⎠
(16 ) (128)
1 1
i. 2
ii. 7

iii) 3 = 3( 5 3 ) = 3 15 = 315 = 2 /15

5 1 −1 3− 5 −2 1
iii. ( 343) 5
1
1 3
33
1 1 1 1
iv) 717 .1117 = ( 7 × 11)17 = 7717

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24 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

Surd
urd
If ‘n’ is a positive integer greater than 1 and ‘a’ is a positive rational number but not nth
1/n th
power of any rational number then n
a (or) a is called a surd of n order. In general we
say the positive nth root of a is called a surd or a radical. Here a is called radicand , n is
called radical sign and n is called the degree of radical.
Forms of Surd
Here are some examples for surds. Exponential form a 1n
3
2, 3, 9, ..... etc Radical form n
a
1
Consider the real number 7 . It may also be written as 72 . Since 7 is not a square
of any rational number, 7 is a surd.
Consider the real number 3 8 . Since 8 is a cube of a rational number 2, 3
8 is not a surd.
1
⎛ 1 ⎞2 1
4
Consider the real number 2 . It may be written as ⎜ 2 2 ⎟ = 24 = 2 . So it is
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
a surd.

DO THIS
1. Write the following surds in exponential form
i. 2 ii. 3
9 iii. 5
20 iv 17
19
2. Write the surds in radical form:
1 1 2 1
i. 57 ii. 17 6 iii. 55 iv 142 2

EXERCISE - 1.4
XERCISE

1. Simplify the following expressions.

i) ( 5 + 7 )( 2 + 5 ) (
ii) 5 + 5 5 − 5 )( )
iii) ( 3+ 7 )
2
iv) ( 11 − 7 )( 11 + 7 )
2. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational.

( )
2
i) 5 − 3 ii) 3+ 2 iii) 2 −2

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 REAL NUMBERS 25

1
iv)
2 7
7 7
v) 2π vi)
3
( )(
vii) 2 + 2 2 − 2 )
3. In the following equations, find whether variables x, y, z etc. represent rational or
irrational numbers
2 2
i) x 2 = 7 ii) y = 16 iii) z = 0.02

2 17
iv) u = v) w 2 = 27 vi) t4 = 256
4
4. Every surd is an irrational, but every irrational need not be a surd. Justify your
answer.

5. Rationalise the denominators of the following:

1 1 1 6
i) ii) iii) iv)
3+ 2 7− 6 7 3− 2
6. Simplify each of the following by rationalising the denominator:

6−4 2 7− 5 1 3 5− 7
i) ii) iii) iv)
6+4 2 7+ 5 3 2 −2 3 3 3+ 2

10 − 5
7. Find the value of upto three decimal places. (take 2 = 1.414 and
2 2
5 = 2.236 )

8. Find:
1 1 1
i) 64 6 ii) 32 5 iii) 625 4
3 2 −1
iv) 16 2 v) 2435 vi) (46656) 6

9. Simplify: 4
81 − 8 3 343 + 15 5 32 + 225

10. If ‘a’ and ‘b’ are rational numbers, find the value of a and b in each of the following
equations.
3+ 2 5+ 3
i) = a+b 6 ii) = a − b 15
3− 2 2 5 −3 3
11. Find the square root of 11 + 2 30

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26 IX-CLASS MATHEMATICS

WHAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED

In this chapter we have discussed the following points:
p
1. A number which can be written in the form , where p and q are integers and q ≠
q
0 is called a rational number.
p
2. A number which cannot be written in the form , for any integers p, q and q ≠ 0
q
is called an irrational number.
3. The decimal expansion of a rational number is either terminating or non-terminating
recurring.
4. The decimal expansion of an irrational number is non-terminating and non-recurring.
5. The collection of all rational and irrational numbers is called Real numbers.
6. There is a unique real number corresponding to every point on the number line.
Also corresponding to each real number, there is a unique point on the number line.
q
7. If q is rational and s is irrational, then q+s, q-s, qs and are irrational numbers.
s
8. If n is a natural number other than a perfect square, then n is an irrational number.
9. The following identities hold for positive real numbers a and b
a a
i) ab = a b ii) = (b ≠ 0)
b b

iii) ( a+ b )( )
a − b =a−b iv) ( a + b )( a − b ) = a 2
−b

( )
2
v) a+ b = a + 2 ab + b vi) a + b + 2 ab = a + b
1 a − b , where
10. To rationalise the denominator of , we multiply this by
a+b a −b
a, b are integers.
11. Let a > 0, b > 0 be a real number and p and q be rational numbers. Then
ap
i) a p .a q = a p + q ii) (a p ) q = a pq iii) q
= a p−q
a
iv) a p .b p = (ab) p

12. If ‘n’ is a positive integer > 1 and ‘a’ is a positive rational number but not nth power
1
of any rational number then n
a or a n is called a surd of nth order.

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