Mr. Kone Math Hub · Review sheet

Rational vs. Irrational Numbers

Unit 1: The Number System & Roots · NY-8.NS.1, AI-N.RN.3

Grade 8 State Test

Notes

The two teams. Rational numbers include integers, fractions, terminating decimals, and repeating decimals. Irrational numbers include √2, √3, π, and non-repeating non-terminating decimals. Between any two rationals there are irrationals — and vice versa.

Why √2 is irrational (sketch). If √2 = a/b in lowest terms, then a² = 2b², so a is even, then b is even, which contradicts lowest terms. You do not need a formal proof for the Grade 8 test, but you must know √2, √3, π are irrational and √9 is rational.

Vocabulary

  • rational number: A number that can be written as a/b where a and b are integers and b ≠ 0.
  • irrational number: A real number that cannot be written as a ratio of integers.

Practice (no calculator unless marked)

  1. Which statement about the value of √50 is true?
    • A. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent eventually repeats.
    • B. It is rational because the decimal equivalent eventually terminates.
    • C. It is rational because the value as a decimal is equivalent to a fraction.
    • D. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent is non-repeating and does not terminate.
  2. Which expression represents an irrational number?
    • A. √16 + 1
    • B. √25 + 4
    • C. √36 + √7
    • D. √49 + 9
  3. Which statement about the value of √50 is true?
    • A. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent eventually repeats.
    • B. It is rational because the decimal equivalent eventually terminates.
    • C. It is rational because the value as a decimal is equivalent to a fraction.
    • D. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent is non-repeating and does not terminate.
  4. Which expression represents an irrational number?
    • A. √16 + 1
    • B. √25 + 4
    • C. √36 + √7
    • D. √49 + 9
  5. Which statement about the value of √50 is true?
    • A. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent eventually repeats.
    • B. It is rational because the decimal equivalent eventually terminates.
    • C. It is rational because the value as a decimal is equivalent to a fraction.
    • D. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent is non-repeating and does not terminate.
  6. Which expression represents an irrational number?
    • A. √16 + 1
    • B. √25 + 4
    • C. √36 + √7
    • D. √49 + 9
  7. Which statement about the value of √50 is true?
    • A. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent eventually repeats.
    • B. It is rational because the decimal equivalent eventually terminates.
    • C. It is rational because the value as a decimal is equivalent to a fraction.
    • D. It is irrational because the decimal equivalent is non-repeating and does not terminate.
  8. Which expression represents an irrational number?
    • A. √16 + 1
    • B. √25 + 4
    • C. √36 + √7
    • D. √49 + 9