Last updated on August 12th, 2025
In mathematics, real numbers encompass all rational and irrational numbers. They include whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. In this topic, we will learn the formulas related to real numbers in .
Real numbers include rational and irrational numbers. Let’s learn the formulas and properties related to real numbers.
Real numbers have several important properties, including:
1. Commutative Property: a + b = b + a and ab = ba
2. Associative Property: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c) and (ab)c = a(bc)
3. Distributive Property: a(b + c) = ab + ac
4. Identity Property: a + 0 = a and a × 1 = a
5. Inverse Property: a + (-a) = 0 and a × (1/a) = 1, a ≠ 0
Some key formulas involving real numbers include:
Addition of Real Numbers: a + b = b + a
Multiplication of Real Numbers: ab = ba
Square Root: If x² = a, then x is the square root of a.
Rationalizing the Denominator: To rationalize a denominator like √b, multiply by √b/√b.
Rational numbers can be expressed as fractions, whereas irrational numbers cannot be expressed as simple fractions.
Rational Number: a/b where a and b are integers and b ≠ 0
Irrational Number: Cannot be expressed as a/b, examples include √2, π.
Real numbers are crucial in mathematics and real life for several reasons:
They are used in various mathematical operations and equations.
Real numbers are used to represent quantities in measurements.
The understanding of real numbers is foundational for higher-level mathematics.
Here are some tips and tricks to better understand real numbers:
Practice visualizing numbers on a number line to see the difference between rational and irrational numbers.
Use real-life examples like money and time to relate to real numbers.
Solve different types of problems to strengthen your understanding of real numbers.
Students often make errors when working with real numbers. Here are some mistakes and ways to avoid them:
Simplify the expression: 2√3 + 3√3
5√3
Combine the like terms: 2√3 + 3√3 = (2 + 3)√3 = 5√3
Rationalize the denominator: 1/√2
√2/2
Multiply numerator and denominator by √2: 1/√2 × √2/√2 = √2/2
What is the sum of 1/4 and 1/5?
9/20
Find a common denominator and add: 1/4 = 5/20, 1/5 = 4/20, so 5/20 + 4/20 = 9/20
Find the product of √2 and √3
√6
Multiply the square roots: √2 × √3 = √(2×3) = √6
Is 0.333... a rational number?
Yes
0.333... can be expressed as the fraction 1/3, so it is a rational number.
Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.
: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.