Chapter Summary: Number Systems
Key Points
- Rational Numbers: A number is rational if it can be expressed as the form P/q where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0.
- Irrational Numbers: A number is irrational if it cannot be expressed in the form P/q where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0.
- Decimal Expansions:
- Rational numbers have either terminating or non-terminating recurring decimal expansions.
- Irrational numbers have non-terminating non-recurring decimal expansions.
- Real Numbers: The set of all rational and irrational numbers.
- Operations:
- The sum or difference of a rational and an irrational number is irrational.
- The product of a non-zero rational and an irrational number is irrational.
Important Definitions
- Laws of Exponents:
- a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)
- (a^m)^n = a^(mn)
- a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)
- a^m * b^m = (ab)^m
- Rationalization: To rationalize a denominator, multiply by the appropriate form of 1 (e.g., √a/√a).
Examples
- Simplifying expressions using laws of exponents:
- 17² * 17⁵ = 17⁷
- (5²)⁷ = 5¹⁴
- Rationalizing denominators:
- To rationalize 1/(2√2), multiply by √2/√2 to get √2/4.
Visual Representation
- Number Line: Represents rational and irrational numbers, showing their placement and relationships.
Summary of Exercises
- Identify rational and irrational numbers from given examples.
- Express decimal expansions in the form P/q.
- Rationalize denominators of given fractions.