CLASS 9
MATHS
CHAPTER 1
NUMBER SYSTEMS
We should be comfortable with the following types of questions:
1. Understanding Different Types of Numbers:
* Define and identify:
* Natural numbers
* Whole numbers
* Integers
* Rational numbers (in the form p/q)
* Irrational numbers (non-terminating, non-repeating decimals)
* Real numbers (the union of rational and irrational numbers)
* True or False statements with justification:
* "Every natural number is a whole number." (True)
* "Every whole number is a natural number." (False, because 0 is a whole number
but not a natural number)
* "Every integer is a rational number." (True)
* "Every rational number is an integer." (False, e.g., 1/2)
* "Every irrational number is a real number." (True)
* "Every real number is either rational or irrational." (True)
* Identifying rational and irrational numbers from a given set.
* Knowing that the square roots of all positive integers are not always
irrational. For example, √4 = 2 is rational.
2. Finding Rational Numbers Between Two Given Rational Numbers:
* Finding a specific number of rational numbers between two given rational numbers
using methods like:
* Using the mean method: (a+b)/2 lies between a and b.
* Making the denominators the same and finding numbers in between the
numerators.
* Multiplying the numerator and denominator by n+1 (where n is the number of
rational numbers you need to find).
3. Decimal Expansions of Rational Numbers:
* Determining whether the decimal expansion of a rational number is terminating or
non-terminating repeating by looking at the prime factors of the denominator.
* If the prime factors of the denominator (in simplest form) are only 2 and 5,
the decimal expansion terminates.
* If the denominator has prime factors other than 2 and 5, the decimal expansion
is non-terminating repeating.
* Writing the decimal expansion of given rational numbers.
* Expressing non-terminating repeating decimals in p/q form. This usually involves
setting up equations and solving for the rational number.
4. Irrational Numbers:
* Proving that a given number is irrational, such as √2, √3, √5, etc. This usually
involves proof by contradiction.
* Finding irrational numbers between two given rational numbers. You can often do
this by considering non-terminating, non-repeating decimal patterns.
* Writing examples of numbers whose decimal expansions are non-terminating non-
recurring.
5. Representing Numbers on the Number Line:
* Representing rational numbers on the number line.
* Visualizing the representation of irrational numbers like √2, √3, √5 using
geometric constructions (though this might be less emphasized in direct questions
and more in understanding the concept).
* Visualizing decimal expansions on the number line using successive
magnification.
6. Operations on Real Numbers:
* Simplifying expressions involving square roots. This includes addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
* Rationalizing the denominator of expressions involving irrational numbers in the
denominator.
* Understanding and applying the properties of operations with rational and
irrational numbers:
* The sum or difference of a rational and an irrational number is irrational.
* The product or quotient of a non-zero rational and an irrational number is
irrational.
* The sum, difference, product, or quotient of two irrational numbers can be
either rational or irrational.
7. Laws of Exponents for Real Numbers:
* Applying the laws of exponents when the base is a positive real number and the
exponents are rational numbers. These laws include:
* a<sup>m</sup> * a<sup>n</sup> = a<sup>m+n</sup>
* (a<sup>m</sup>)<sup>n</sup> = a<sup>mn</sup>
* a<sup>m</sup> / a<sup>n</sup> = a<sup>m-n</sup>
* a<sup>0</sup> = 1
* a<sup>-m</sup> = 1/a<sup>m</sup>
* (ab)<sup>m</sup> = a<sup>m</sup>b<sup>m</sup>
* (a/b)<sup>m</sup> = a<sup>m</sup>/b<sup>m</sup>
Types of Questions to Expect:
* Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) testing basic definitions and properties.
* Fill in the Blanks.
* True or False with justification.
* Short Answer Questions requiring you to perform calculations or provide brief
explanations.
* Long Answer Questions involving proofs, detailed calculations, or multi-step
problems.
How to Prepare:
* Thoroughly understand the definitions and properties of all types of numbers
covered in the chapter.
* Practice solving a variety of problems from your textbook and supplementary
materials.
* Pay attention to the methods for finding rational numbers and converting
decimals to p/q form.
* Understand the logic behind proving the irrationality of numbers.
* Practice simplifying expressions with square roots and rationalizing
denominators.
* Master the laws of exponents and their applications.
