NUMBER SYSTEM

1
CHAPTER

(iii) A rational number may be positive, negative

or zero.
CONTENTS ² Complex numbers :
• Number system Complex numbers are imaginary numbers of the
• Decimal representation of Rational form a + ib, where a and b are real numbers and
numbers i = – 1 , which is an imaginary number.

• Conversion of decimal numbers

² Factors :
A number is a factor of another, if the former
into rational numbers exactly divides the latter without leaving a
• Representing irrational numbers remainder (remainder is zero) 3 and 5 are factors
on the numbers line of 12 and 25 respectively.

• Surds or Radicals
² Multiples :
A multiple is a number which is exactly divisible
• Some Rules For Exponents by another, 36 is a multiple of 2, 3, 4, 9 and 12.
² Even Numbers :
All integers which are multiples of 2 are even
Ø NUMBER SYSTEM number (i.e.) 2,4, 6, 8............... are even numbers.
² Odd numbers :
² Natural Numbers :
All integers which are not multiples of 2 are odd
The simplest numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4....... the
numbers being used in counting. These are called numbers.
natural numbers. ² Prime and composite Numbers :
² Whole numbers : All natural numbers which cannot be divided by
The natural numbers along with the zero form the any number other than 1 and itself is called a
set of whole numbers i.e. numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 are prime number. By convention, 1 is not a prime
whole numbers. W = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4....} number.
² Integers : 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17 ............. are prime numbers.
The natural numbers, their negatives and zero Numbers which are not prime are called
make up the integers. composite numbers.
Z = {....–4, –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,....} ² The Absolute Value (or modulus) of a real
The set of integers contains positive numbers, Number :
negative numbers and zero.
If a is a real number, modulus a is written as |a| ;
² Rational Number :
|a| is always positive or zero.It means positive
(i) A rational number is a number which can be
value of ‘a’ whether a is positive or negative
p
put in the form , where p and q are both |3| = 3 and |0| = 0, Hence |a| = a ; if a = 0 or a > 0
q (i.e.) a ³ 0
integers and q ¹ 0. |–3| = 3 = – (–3) . Hence |a| = – a when a < 0
(ii) A rational number is either a terminating or Hence, |a| = a, if a > 0 ; |a| = – a, if a < 0
non-terminating but recurring (repeating)
decimal. ² Irrational number :
 (i) All real numbers are irrational if and only if Ex.1 Is zero a rational number? can you write it in
there decimal representation is non-terminating p
the form , where p and q are integers and
and non-repeating. e.g. 2 , 3 , p............ q
etc. q ¹ 0?
(ii) Rational number and irrational number taken Sol. Yes, zero is a rational number. It can be
together form the set of real numbers. 0 0 0
written as = = etc. where denominator
1 2 3
(iii) If a and b are two real numbers, then either
(i) a > b or (ii) a = b or (iii) a < b q ¹ 0, it can be negative also.

(iv) Negative of an irrational number is an 3 4

Ex.2 Find five rational numbers between and .
irrational number. 5 5
r+s
(v) The sum of a rational number with an Sol. A rational number between r and s is .
irrational number is always irrational. 2
A rational number between
(vi) The product of a non-zero rational number
with an irrational number is always an 3 4 1 æ3 4ö 7
and = ç + ÷= .
irrational number. 5 5 2 è 5 5 ø 10

(vii) The sum of two irrational numbers is not And a rational number between
always an irrational number. 3 7 1 æ 3 7 ö 13
and = ç + ÷=
5 10 2 è 5 10 ø 20
(viii) The product of two irrational numbers is not
always an irrational number. 5 27 31 3 4
Similarly; , , are between and .
² Rational Numbers : 8 40 40 5 5
So, five rational number between
7 5 3 3 4 5 13 7 31 27
3, 4, , , - , 2.7, 3.923, 1.42 7 , 1.2343434, and are , , , ,
3 2 7 5 5 8 20 10 40 40
etc.
Ex.3 Find six rational numbers between 3 and 4.
² Irrational Numbers :
Sol. We can solve this problem in two ways.
2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , p, 1.327185………… Method 1 :
² Imaginary Numbers : r+s
A rational number between r and s is .
2
æ5 - 3 ö÷
- 2 , - 49 , 3i, ç + , ……….. Therefore, a rational number between 3 and
ç7 8 ÷ø
è 1 7
4= (3 + 4) =
2 2
Note:- p = 3.14159265358979…………. while
22 A rational number between 3 and
= 3.1428571428…………. 7 1 6+7 13
7 = = . We can accordingly
2 2 2 4
22 proceed in this manner to find three more
\ p¹ but for calculation we can take rational numbers between 3 and 4.
7
22 Hence, six rational numbers between 3 and 4
p» . 15 13 27 7 29 15
7 are , , , , , .
8 4 8 2 8 4
v EXAMPLES v
Method 2 :
Since, we want six numbers, we write 3 and 4
as rational numbers with denominator 6 + 1,
 21 28 Sol. We have,
i.e., 3 = and 4 = . Then we can check
7 7
22 23 24 25 26 27 8 7.000 0.875
that , , , , , and are all 64
7 7 7 7 7 7
between 3 and 4. 60
56
Hence, the six numbers between 3 and 4 are 40
22 23 24 25 26 27 40
, , , , , and
7 7 7 7 7 7 0
7
Ex.4 Are the following statement true or false? \ = 0.875
8
Give reasons for your answer.
35
(i) Every natural number is a whole number. Ex.8 Convert into decimal form by long
16
(ii) Every integer is a whole number. division method.
(iii) Every rational number is a whole number. Sol. We have,
Sol. (i) True, because natural number starts from 16 35.0000 2.1875
1 to ¥ and whole number starts from 32
0 to ¥. 30
16
(ii) False, because negative integers are not 140
whole number. 128
120
(iii) False, because rational number such that 112
1 80
is not whole number.
2 80
Ex.5 Find 3 irrational numbers between 3 & 5. 0
35
Sol. ! 3 and 5 both are rational \ = 2.1875
16
The irrational are 3.127190385……………
2157
Ex.9 Express in the decimal form.
3.212325272930……… 625
Sol. We have,
3.969129852937…………
Ex.6 Find two rational & two irrational numbers 625 2154.0000 3.4512
between 4 and 5. 1875
2820
4+5 2500
Sol. Rational numbers = 4.5 Ans. 3200
2
3125
4.5 + 4 8.5 750
& = = 4.25 Ans.
2 2 625
1250
Irrational numbers 4.12316908……… Ans. 1250
0
4.562381032…….. Ans.
2157
\ = 3.4512
Ø DECIMAL REPRESENTATION OF 625
RATIONAL NUMBERS –17
Ex.10 Express in decimal form by long
7 8
Ex.7 Express in the decimal form by long division method.
8
division method.
 –17 11 2.00 0.181818
Sol. In order to convert in the decimal form,
8 11
17 90
we first express in the decimal form and 88
8
20
–17
the decimal form of will be negative of 11
8
90
17 88
the decimal form of
8
we have, 20
8 17.000 2.125 11
16 90
10 88
8 2
20 2
\ = 0.181818 ..... = 0. 18
16 11
40
-16
40 Ex.13 Find the decimal representation of
45
0 Sol. By long division, we have
–17 45 160 0.3555
\ = – 2.125
8 135
8 250
Ex.11 Find the decimal representation of .
3 225
Sol. By long division, we have 250
225
3 8.0000 2.6666 250
6 225
20 25
18 16
20 \ = 0.3555 .... = 0.3 5
45
18 -16
20 Hence, = – 0.3 5
45
18 22
Ex.14 Find the decimal representation of .
20 7
18 Sol. By long division, we have
2
8
\ = 2.6666 ... = 2. 6
3
2
Ex.12 Express as a decimal fraction.
11
Sol. By long division, we have
7 22 3.142857142857 2320
21 = 23.434343……..or 23.43
99
10
7 These expansion are not finished but digits
30 are continusely repeated so we use a line on
28 those digits, called bar ( a ).
20
14 So we can say that rational numbers are of the
form either terminating, non repeating or non
60
terminating repeating (recurring).
56
40 Ø CONVERSION OF DECIMAL NUMBERS INTO
35 m
50 RATIONAL NUMBERS OF THE FORM
n
49
10 Case I : When the decimal number is of
7 terminating nature.
30
28 Algorithm :
20 Step-1 : Obtain the rational number.
14
60 Step-2 : Determine the number of digits in its
56 decimal part
40 Step-3 : Remove decimal point from the
35 numerator. Write 1 in the denominator and put as
50 many zeros on the right side of 1 as the number of
49 digits in the decimal part of the given rational
1 number.
Step-4 : Find a common divisor of the numerator
22
\ = 3.142857142857 ..... = 3. .142857 and denominator and express the rational number
7 to lowest terms by dividing its numerator and
So division of rational number gives decimal denominator by the common divisor.
expansion. This expansion represents two Ex.15 Express each of the following numbers in the
types p
form .
(A) Terminating (remainder = 0) q
(i) 0.15 (ii) 0.675 (iii) –25.6875
6 8 7 15
Ex. , , ,………are equal to 1.2, 1.6, Sol. (i) 0.15 =
5 5 4 100
1.75 respectively, so these are
15 ÷ 5
terminating and non repeating (recurring) =
100 ÷ 5
(B) Non terminating recurring (repeating) éDividing numerator and deno min ator ù
êby the common divisor 5 of numeratorú
(remainder ¹ 0, but equal to devidend) êëand deno min ator úû
10 3
Ex. = 3.333 ……….. or 3. 3 =
3 20
675
1 (ii) 0.675 =
= 0.1428514285……….or 0.142857 1000
7
675 ÷ 25 27
= Þ=
1000 ÷ 25 40
 -256875 v EXAMPLES v
(iii) – 25.6875 =
10000
Ex.16 Express each of the following decimals in the
-256875 ÷ 625 -411 p
= = form :
10000 ÷ 625 16 q
Case II : When decimal representation is of non- (i) 0.6
terminating repeating nature.
(ii) 0.35
In a non terminating repeating decimal, there are
two types of decimal representations (iii) 0.585
(i) A decimal in which all the digit after the Sol. (i) Let x = 0.6
decimal point are repeated. These type of then, x = 0.666....... ....(i)
decimals are known as pure recurring
Here, we have only one repeating digit, So,
decimals.
we multiply both sides of (i) by 10 to get
For example: 0.6, 0.16, 0.123 are pure recurring 10 x = 6.66.... ....(ii)
decimals. Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get
(ii) A decimal in which at least one of the digits 10 x – x = (6.66 .....) – (0.66.....)
after the decimal point is not repeated and 6
then some digit or digits are repeated. This Þ 9x = 6 Þ x=
9
type of decimals are known as mixed
recurring decimals. 2 2
Þ x= Hence 0.6 =
3 3
For example, 2.16, 0.35, 0.785 are mixed
recurring decimals. (ii) Let x = 0.35
² Conversion of a pure recurring decimal to the Þ x = 0.353535.... ....(i)
p Here, we have two repeating digits after the
form decimal point. So, we multiply sides of (i) by
q
102 = 100 to get
Algorithm : 100x = 35.3535...... ....(ii)
Step-1 : Obtain the repeating decimal and pur it Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get
equal to x (say) 100 x – x = (35.3535....) – (0.3535....)
Step-2 : Write the number in decimal form by Þ 99 x = 35
removing bar from the top of repeating digits and 35
Þ x=
listing repeating digits at least twice. For sample, 99
write x = 0.8 as x = 0.888.... and x = 0.14 as Hence, 0.35
x = 0.141414......
Step-3 : Determine the number of digits having (iii) Let x = 0.585
bar on their heads. Þ x = 0.585585585... ....(i)
Step-4 : If the repeating decimal has 1 place Here, we have three repeating digits after the
repetition, multiply by 10; a two place repetition, decimal point. so, we multiple both sides of
multiply by 100; a three place repetition, multiply (i) by 103 = 1000 to get
by 1000 and so on. 1000 x = 585.585585......... ....(ii)
Step-5 : Subtract the number in step 2 from the Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get
number obtained in step 4 1000x – x = (585.585585...) – (0.585585585...)
Step-6 : Divide both sides of the equation by the 1000x – x = 585
coefficient of x. Þ 999x = 585
Step-7 : Write the rational number in its simplest 585 195 65
Þ x= = =
form. 999 333 111
 The above example suggests us the following v EXAMPLES v
rule to convert a pure recurring decimal into a
p Ex.18 Express the following decimals in the form
rational number in the form . (i) 0.32 (ii) 0.123
q
Sol. (i) Let x = 0.32
Ex.17 Convert the following decimal numbers in the
p Clearly, there is just one digit on the right
form : side of the decimal point which is without
q bar. So, we multiply both sides of x by 10 so
(i) 5. 2 that only the repeating decimal is left on the
right side of the decimal point.
(ii) 23.43
\ 10x = 3.2
Sol. (i) Let x = 5. 2 é 2ù
Þ x = 5.2222 ....(i) Þ 10x = 3 + 0.2 ê! 0.2 = 9 úû
ë
Multiplying both sides of (i) by 10, we get 2
10 x = 52.222 ...... ....(ii) Þ 10x = 3 +
9
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get 9´3+ 2 29
10x–x = (52.222...) – (5.222....) Þ 10x = Þ 10x =
9 9
Þ 9x = 47 29
Þ x=
47 90
Þ x=
9 (ii) Let x = 0.123
(ii) Let x = 23.43 Clearly, there are two digits on the right side
Þ x = 23.434343..... of the decimal point which are without bar.
So, we multiply both sides of x by 102 = 100
Multiplying both sides of (i) by 100, we get so that only the repeating decimal is left on on
100 x = 2343.4343....... ....(ii) the right side of the decimal point.
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get \ 100x = 12. 3
100x – x = (2343.4343...) – (23.4343....) Þ 100x = 12 + 0. 3
Þ 99 x = 2320 3
Þ 100x = 12 +
2320 9
Þ x=
99 12 ´ 9 + 3
Þ 100x =
9
² Conversion of a mixed recurring decimal to the
108 + 3
p Þ 100x =
Form :- 9
q
111
Þ 100x =
Algorithm : 9
Step-1 : Obtain the mixed recurring decimal and 111 37
Þ x= =
write it equal to x (say) 900 300
Step-2 : Determine the number of digits after the Ex.19 Express each of thefollowing mixed
decimal point which do not have bar on them. Let p
recurring decimals in the form ;
there be n digits without bar just after the decimal q
point
(i) 4.32 (ii) 15.712
Step-3 : Multiply both sides of x by 10n so that
only the repeating decimal is on the right side of Sol. (i) Let x = 4.32
the decimal point. Þ 10x = 43.2 [Multiplying both sides of x by
Step-4 : Use the method of converting pure 10]
p Þ 10x = 43 + 0.2
recurring decimal to the form and obtain the
q 2
Þ 10x = 43 +
value of x 9
 43 ´ 9 + 2 Sol. We have, 4.26 = 4.2626
Þ 10x =
9 This number lies between 4 and 5. The
387 + 2 distance between 4 and 5 is divided into 10
Þ 10x =
9 equal parts. Then the first mark to the right of
4 will represent 4.1 and second 4.2 and soon.
389
Þ 10x = Now, 4.2626 lies between 4.2 and 4.3. We
9 divide the distance between 4.2 and 4.3 into
389 10 equal parts 4.2626 lies between 4.26 and
Þ x=
90 4.27. Again we divide the distance between
4.26 and 4.27 into 10 equal parts. The number
(ii) Let x = 15.712 . Then, 4.2626 lies between 4.262 and 4.263. The
distance between 4.262 and 4.263 is again
10x = 157.12
divided into 10 equal parts. Sixth mark from
Þ 10x = 157 + 0.12 right to the 4.262 is 4.2626.
12 4 5
Þ 10x = 157 + 4.7 4.8
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.9
99
4
Þ 10x = 157 +
33 4.2 4.3
4.26 4.27
157 ´ 33 + 4 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.28 4.29
Þ 10x =
33
5181 + 4
Þ 10x = 4.26
4.262 4.263
4.27
33 4.261 4.264 4.265 4.266 4.267 4.268 4.269
5185 5185 1037
Þ 10x = Þ x= =
33 330 66
4.262 4.263
Ex.20 Represent 3.765 on the number line. 4.2621 4.2623 4.2625 4.2627 4.2629
Sol. This number lies between 3 and 4. The 4.2622 4.2624 4.2626 4.2628
distance 3 and 4 is divided into 10 equal
parts. Then the first mark to the right of 3 will
represent 3.1 and second 3.2 and so on. Now, p
3.765 lies between 3.7 and 3.8. We divide the Ex.22 Express the decimal 0.00352 in the form
q
distance between 3.7 and 3.8 into 10 equal
parts 3.76 will be on the right of 3.7 at the Sol. Let x = 0.00352
sixth mark, and 3.77 will be on the right of 3.7 Clearly, there is three digit on the right side of
at the 7th mark and 3.765 will lie between the decimal point which is without bar. So,
3.76 and 3.77 and soon. we multiply both sides of x by 103 = 1000 so
that only the repeating decimal is left on the
3 3.7 3.8 4 right side of the decimal point.
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.9 \ 1000x = 3.52
Þ 1000x = 3 + 0.52
3.70 3.80 52
3.76 3.77 Þ 1000x = 3 +
3.71 3.72 3.73 3.74 3.75 3.78 3.79 99
3 ´ 99 + 52 297 + 52
Þ 1000x = Þ 1000x =
99 99
3.760 3.770
3.765 349 349
3.761 3.762 3.763 3.764 3.766 3.767 3.768 3.769 Þ 1000x = Þx =
99 99000
Ex.23 Give an example of two irrational numbers,
To mark 3.765 we have to use magnifying glass the product of which is (i) a rational number
(ii) an irrational number
Ex.21 Visualize 4.26 on the number line, upto 4
decimal places. Sol. (i) The product of 27 and 3 is 81 = 9,
which is a rational number.
 (ii) The product of 2 and 3 is 6 , which is and, d = 0.12101001000100001.......
an irrational number. Clearly, c and d are irrational numbers such
Ex.24 Insert a rational and an irrational number that a < c < d < b.
between 2 and 3. Ex.28 Find two rational numbers between
Sol. If a and b are two positive rational numbers 0.232332333233332.... and
such that ab is not a perfect square of a 0.252552555255552......
rational number, then ab is an irrational Sol. Let a = 0.232332333233332....
number lying between a and b. Also, if a,b are
a+b
and b = 0.252552555255552.....
rational numbers, then is a rational The numbers c = 0.25 and d = 0.2525
2
number between them. Clearly, c and d both are rational numbers
\ A rational number between 2 and 3 is such that a < c < d < b.
2+3 Ex.29 Find a rational number and also an irrational
= 2.5
2 number between the numbers a and b given
An irrational number between 2 and 3 is below:
2´3 = 6 a = 0.101001000100001....,
b = 0.1001000100001...
Ex.25 Find two irrational numbers between 2 and 2.5.
Sol. If a and b are two distinct positive rational Sol. Since the decimal representations of a and b
numbers such that ab is not a perfect square are non-terminating and non-repeating. So,
a and b are irrational numbers.
of a rational number, then ab is an
irrational number lying between a and b. We observed that in the first two places of
\ Irrational number between 2 and 2.5 is decimal a and b have the same digits. But in
the third place of decimal a has a 1 whereas b
2 ´ 2.5 = 5 has zero.
Similarly, irrational number between 2 and \ a>b
5 is 2´ 5 Construction of a rational number between a
and b : As mentioned above, first two digits
So, required numbers are 5 and 2´ 5 . after the decimal point of a and b are the
Ex.26 Find two irrational numbers lying between same. But in the third place a has a 1 and b
has a zero. So, if we consider the number c
2 and 3 .
given by
Sol. We know that, if a and b are two distinct c = 0.101
positive irrational numbers, then ab is an Then, c is a rational number as it has a
irrational number lying between a and b. terminating decimal representation.
\ Irrational number between 2 and 3 is Since b has a zero in the third place of
decimal and c has a 1.
2´ 3 = 6 = 61/4
\ b<c
Irrational number between 2 and 61/4 is We also observe that c < a, because c has
zeros in all the places after the third place of
2 ´ 61 / 4 = 21/4 × 61/8.
decimal whereas the decimal representation
Hence required irrational number are 61/4 and of a has a 1 in the sixth place.
21/4 × 61/8 Thus, c is a rational number such that
Ex.27 Find two irrational numbers between 0.12 and b < c < a.
0.13. Hence , c is the required rational number
Sol. Let a = 0.12 and b = 0.13. Clearly, a and b are between a and b.
rational numbers such that a < b. Construction of an irrational number between
We observe that the number a and b have a 1 a and b : Consider the number d given by
in the first place of decimal. But in the second d = 0.1002000100001......
place of decimal a has a 2 and b has 3. So, we
consider the numbers Clearly, d is an irrational number as its
decimal representation is non-terminating and
c = 0.1201001000100001 ...... non-repeating.
 We observe that in the first three places of OB = 1 + 1 = 2
their decimal representation b and d have the
same digits but in the fourth place d and a 2 Now, transfer this square onto the number line
whereas b has only a 1. making sure that the vertex O coincides with zero
\ d >b
Also, comparing a and d, we obtain a > d C B
Thus, d is an irrational number such that 2
1
b < d < a. 1
X¢ X
–3 –2 –1 O A P2 3
Ex.30 Find one irrational number between the
number a and b given below :
a = 0.1111..... = 0. 1 and b = 0.1101 With O as centre & OB as radius, draw an arc,
meeting OX at P. Then
Sol. Clearly, a and b are rational numbers, since a
has a repeating decimal and b has a
terminating decimal. We observe that in the OB = OP = 2 units
third place of decimal a has a 1, while b has a
zero. Then, the point represents 2 on the number line
\ a>b
Now draw, BD ^ OB such that BD = 1 unit join
Consider the number c given by OD. Then
c = 0.111101001000100001.....
OD = ( 2 ) 2 + (1) 2 = 3 units
Clearly, c is an irrational number as it has
non-repeating and non-terminating decimal D
representation. 1
B
We observe that in the first two places of 3 2
their decimal representations b and c have the
same digits. But in the third place b has a zero X¢ X
–3 –2 –1 O A PQ 2 3
whereas c has a 1.
With O as centre & OC as radius, draw an arc,
\ b<c meeting OX at Q. Then
Also, c and a have the same digits in the first OQ = OD = 3 units
four places of their decimal representations
but in the fifth place c has a zero and a has a 1. Then, the point Q represents 3 on the real line
\ c<a
Remark : In the same way, we can locate n for
Hence, b < c < a
Thus, c is the required irrational number any positive integer n, after n - 1 has been
between a and b. located.

Ø REPRESENTING IRRATIONAL NUMBERS

ON THE NUMBER LINE
² Existence of n for a positive real number :

The value of 4.3 geometrically : -

² Represent 2 & 3 on the number line :
Draw a line segment AB = 4.3 units and extend it
to C such that BC = 1 unit.
Greeks discovered this method. Consider a unit
square OABC, with each side 1 unit in lenght. Find the midpoint O of AC.
Then by using pythagoras theorem
With O as centre and OA a radius, draw a
semicircle.
C 1 B
D

1 1

1
O A B C E
A O X
 Now, draw BD ^ AC, intersecting the semicircle For any positive integer ‘n’ and a positive rational
at D. Then, BD = 4.3 units. number ‘a’.

With B as centre and BD as radius, draw an arc, (a) ( a)n n

=a
meeting AC produced at E. n
(b) a ´ n b = n ab [one of either a or b
Then, BE = BD = 4.3 units should be non-negative integer]
na a
Ø SURDS OR RADICALS (c) = n
n b b
² Real Number Line :
n m
Irrational numbers like 2 , 3 , 5 etc. can be (d) m n a = mn a = a
represented by points on the number line. Since
all rational numbers and irrational numbers can be
represented on the number line, we call the
(e)
p
(a )
n m
=
p
a n .m
number line as real number line. p p
(f) an ´ am = a n+m
² Surds :
(iv) A surd which has unity only as rational factor
2 , 3 , 5 , 21 ,................ are irrational is called a pure surd.
numbers, These are square roots (second roots), of (v) A surd which has a rational factor other than
some rational numbers, which can not be written unity is called a mixed surd.
as squares of any rational number. (vi) Surds having same irrational factors are
(i) If a is rational number and n is a positive called similar or like surds.
integer such that the nth root of a is an
irrational number, then a1/n is called a surd or (vii) Only similar surds can be added or subtracted
radical. by adding or subtracting their rational parts
e.g. 5, 2, 3 etc. (viii) Surds of same order can be multiplied or
(ii) If is a surd then ‘n’ is known as order of surd divided
and ‘a’ is known as radicand. (ix) If the surds to be multiplied or to be divided
(iii) Every surd is an irrational number but every are not of the same order, we first reduce
irrational number is not a surd. them to the same order and then multiply or
divide.
² Quadratic Surd:
(x) If the product of two surds is a rational
A surd of order 2 is called a quadratic surd. number, then each one of them is called the
rationalising factor of the other.
Ex.31 3 = 31/2 is a quadratic surd but 9 = 91/2 is
(xi) A surd consisting of one term only is called a
not a quadratic surd, because 9 = 91/2 = 3 is
monomial surd.
a rational number. So, 9 is not a surd.
(xii) An expression consisting of the sum or
² Cubic surd : difference of two monomial surds or the sum
A surd of order 3 is called a cubic surd. or difference of a monomial surds and a
rational number is called binomial surd. e.g.
3
Ex.32 The real number 4 is a cubic surd but the 2 + 5 , 3 + 2, 2 - 3 etc. are binomial
3
real number 8 is not a cubic surd as it not a surds.
surd.
(xiii)The binomial surds which differ only in sign
² Biquadratic surd : (+ or –) between the terms connecting them,
A surd of order 4 is called a biquadratic surd. A are called conjugate surds e.g. 3 + 2
biquadratic surd is also called a quadratic surd.
and 3 - 2 or 2 + 5 and 2 – 5 are
Ex.33 4
5 is a biquadratic surd but 4 81 is not a conjugate surds.
biquadratic surd as it is not a surd.
v EXAMPLES v
² Laws of radicals :
Ex.34. State with reasons which of the following are 1
Since is a rational number, therefore
surds and which are not : 3
(i) 64 (ii) 45 3 12 ÷ 6 27 is not a surd.
(iii) 20 ´ 45 (iv) 8 10 ÷ 4 15 (vi) 3
5 × 3
25 = 3
5´ 25
3 3
(v) 3 12 ÷ 6 27 (vi) 5 ´ 25 = 3
5´5´5
Sol. (i) 64 = 8
Þ 3 53 = 5
8 is a rational number, hence 64 is not a surd. Which is a rational number. Hence,
3
(ii) 45 = 9 ´ 5 = 3 5 5 × 3 25 is not a surd.

Thus 45 is an irrational number. Ex.35 Simplify the following :

Because the rational number 45 is not the (i) ( 3 5 )3 (ii) 3
64
square of any rational number, hence 45 is Sol. (i) ( 3 5 )3 = 5 (Using Ist Law)
a surd. 3
(ii) 3
64 = 43 = 4 (Using Ist Law)
(iii) We have 20 ´ 45 = 900
Ex.36 Find the value of x in each of the following:
= 30 ´ 30 = ( 30 )
2
= 30 (i) 3
4x - 7 – 5 = 0 (ii) 4
3x + 1 = 2
Which is a rational number and therefore Sol. (i) 3
4x - 7 – 5 = 0
20 ´ 45 is not a surd. 3
Þ 4x - 7 = 5
(iv) we have
Þ ( 3 4x - 7 )3 = 53
8 10
8 10 ÷ 4 15 = Þ 4x – 7 = 125 [( n a )n = a]
4 15
Þ 4x = 132
=
( 8 ) ( 10 ) Þ
2
8 ´ 8 ´ 10
Þ x = 33
( 4 ) ( 15 )
2
4 ´ 4 ´ 15
(ii) 4
3x + 1 = 2
8 ´ 8 ´ 10 640 Þ ( 4 3x + 1 )4 = 24
= Þ
4 ´ 4 ´ 15 240
Þ 3x + 1 = 16 [( n a )n = a]
8 8
Þ = Þ 3x = 15
3 3
Þ x=5
Which is an irrational number.
Ex.37 Simplify each of the following:
8
Because the rational number is not the (i) 3
3· 3
4 (ii) 3 128
3
square of any rational number, hence the Sol. (i) 3
3· 3
4 = 3
3´ 4 = 3 12
given expression is a surd.
[Using IInd Law]
(v) 3 12 ÷ 6 27 =
3 12
=
( 3 ) ( 12 )
2
(ii) 3 128 = 3 64 ´ 2 = 3 64 3
2
6 27 ( 6 ) 27 2
[Using IInd Law]
3 ´ 3 ´ 12 3 ´ 3 ´ 12 =
3
43 · 3
2
= Þ
6 ´ 6 ´ 27 6 ´ 6 ´ 27 = 4 3 2 [Using I,
3
43 = 4]
108 1 1 Ex.38 Simplify each of the following:
Þ Þ =
972 9 3 4
8 3888
(i) 3 (ii) 4
27 48
 3 2 2
8 8 3 æ3ö æ3ö
Sol. (i) 3 = 3
[Using IIIrd Law] (iii) 32 = ç ÷ ´ 32 = ç ÷ ´ 32
27 27 4 è4ø è4ø
3
23 2 9
= = [Using Ist Law] = ´ 32 = 18
3
3 3 3 16
2 2
4
3888 3888 3 æ3ö æ3ö
(ii) = 4 [Using IIIrd Law] (iv) 8 = ç ÷ ´ 8 = ç ÷ ´8
4
48 48 4 è4ø è4ø

= 4
81 = 4
34 = 3 [Using Ist Law] 9 9
= ´8 =
16 2
Ex.39 Siplify each of the following
Ex.45 Expressed each of the following as pure
4 3 2 3
(i) 3 (ii) 5 surds-
4 3 12 2 3 3 32
Sol. (i) 3 = 3 [Using IVth law] (i) . 108 (ii) 4
3 2 243
2 3 6
(ii) 5 = 5 [Using IVth law] 2 3 2
Sol. (i) 108 = × (108)1/ 3
3 3
Ex.40 Simplify : 5 4
( 23 ) 4 éæ 2 ö3 ù
1/ 3

Sol. Using the above property, we have = êç ÷ ú × (108)1/3

êëè 3 ø úû
5
5 4
( 23 ) 4 = 23 = 5
8. 1/ 3
æ 8 ö
=ç ÷ × (108)1/3
² Pure And Mixed Surds : è 27 ø
1/ 3
(i) Pure Surd : æ 8 ö
= ç ´ 108 ÷
A surd which has unity only as rational è 27 ø
factor, the other factor being irrational, is = (8×4)1/3 = (32)1/3 = 3
32
called a pure surd. 1/ 4
3 32 3 æ 32 ö
Ex.41 3 , 5 2 , 4 3 are pure surds. (ii) . 4 = × ç ÷
2 243 2 è 243 ø
Ex.42 6 , 3 12 are pure surds. 1/ 4
æ æ 3 ö4 ö æ 32 ö
1/ 4

(ii) Mixed Surd : = çç ÷ ÷ ×ç ÷

çè 2 ø ÷ è 243 ø
A surd which has a rational factor other than è ø
unity, the other factor being irrational, is 1/ 4 1/ 4 1/ 4
æ 81 ö æ 32 ö æ 81 32 ö
called a mixed surd. =ç ÷ ×ç ÷ =ç ´ ÷
è 16 ø è 243 ø è 16 243 ø
Ex.43 2 3 , 5 3 12 , 2 4 5 are mixed surds. 1/ 4
æ2ö 2
TypeI : On expressing of mixed surds into pure =ç ÷ = 4
è3ø 3
surds
Ex.46 Express each of the following as pure surd :
❖ EXAMPLES ❖
(i) a a + b (ii) a 3 b 2
Ex.44 Express each of the following as a pure surd. (iii) 2ab 3 ab
(i) 2 3 (ii) 2. 3 4 Sol. (i) a a + b = a × (a + b)1/2
3 3 = (a2)1/2 × (a + b) 1/2
(iii) 32 (iv) 8
4 4 = [a2× (a + b)]1/2
Sol. (i) 2 3 = 2 ×31/2 =(22)1/2 × 31/2 =41/2 ×31/2 = (a3 + a2b)1/2 = a 3 + a 2b
= (4×3)1/2 = 121/2 = 12 (ii) a 3 b 2 = (a3) 1/3 × (b2)1/3 = (a3×b2)1/3
3
(ii) 2. 4 = 2×41/3 = (23)1/3 ×41/3 = 81/3 ×41/3 3
= a 3b 2
1/ 3 3
= (8 ´ 4) = (32) 1/3
= 32
 (iii) 2ab. 3
(
ab = (2ab )3 )
1/ 3
´ (ab)1/ 3
(iii)
ap
=
ìa p - q
í
if p > q
3 3
= (8 a b .ab) 1/3
a q î1 / a q - p if q > p
= (8 a4b4)1/3 = 3 8a 4 b 4 (169) 2 [(13) 2 ]2 134
TypeII : On expressing given surds as mixed surds Ex.51 = =
132 132 132
in the simplest form.
= 134–2 = 132 = 169 Ans.
❖ EXAMPLES ❖
53 ´ 2 4 ´ 49
Ex.47 Express each of the following as mixed surd Ex.52
625 ´ 32 ´ 7
in its simplest form:
(i) 80 (ii) 3
72 53 ´ 2 4 ´ 7 2
=
5 54 ´ 25 ´ 7
(iii) 288 (iv) 1350
5
(vi) 5. 3 135 1 1
(v) 320 = 4 -3
´ 5- 4
´ 7 2-1
5 2
Sol. (i) 80 = 16 ´ 5 = 42 ´ 5 = 42 × 5 = 4 5
7 7
(ii) 3
72 = 3 8´ 9 = 3
23 ´ 9 = 23 ×
3 3
9 =23 9 = = Ans.
5 ´ 2 10
5
(iii) 5
288 = 5 32´ 9 = 5 2 5 ´ 9 = 25 × 5 9 = 2 5 9 (iv) (ab)p = apbp
(iv) 1350 = 225´ 6 = 152 ´ 6 = 15 2 × 6 =15 6 (63) 4 ´ 144
Ex.53 =?
(v) 5
320 = 5
32 ´ 10 = 5
25 ´ 10 =
5
25 × 5 10 132 ´ 9

= 2´ 5 10 (9 ´ 7) 4 ´ (12) 2
=
(11 ´ 12) ´ 32
(vi) 5. 3 135 = 5 3 27 ´ 5 = 5 3 33 ´ 5 = 5 3 3 × 3 5
=5×3× 3
5 = 15 3 5 . (32 ´ 7) 4 ´ (3 ´ 2 2 ) 2
=
11 ´ 2 2 ´ 3 ´ 32
4
Ex.48 Express 1280 as mixed surd in its simplest
form : (32 ) 4 ´ 7 4 ´ 32 ´ (2 2 ) 2
=
Sol. 4
1280 = 4
256 ´ 5 = 4
256 ´ 4 5 11 ´ 2 2 ´ 31+ 2

=
4
44 ´ 4 5 = 4 4 5 38 ´ 7 4 ´ 32 ´ 2 4
=
11 ´ 2 2 ´ 33
Ø SOME RULES FOR EXPONENTS
2 4 ´ 38+ 2 ´ 7 4
=
Let a, b > 0 be real numbers & p, q are rational 2 2 ´ 33 ´ 11
numbes then
2 4- 2 ´ 310-3 ´ 7 4
p p p+q
(i) a . a = a i.e. if base is same with different =
11
or same powers are multiply each other then
powers are add. 2 2 ´ 37 ´ 7 4
= Ans.
(7) 3 ´ 21 11
Ex.49 =?
3 (v) a0 = 1
= 73 × 7 = 73+1 = 74 Ans. ( 2 0 + 30 ) 5 2
Ex.54
(ii) (ap)q = apq 25

(121) 3 ´ 33 (1 + 1) .52
Ex.50 = (112)3 × 11 = 116 × 111 =
3 52
= 117 Ans. 2 2 2
= 2- 2
= = =2 Ans.
5 50 1
 1 1
(vi) a+p = -p
or a–p =
a ap

2
Ex.55 =?
4
(2)1/ 2
=
22
1 1
= 1
= 3/ 2
= 2–3/2 Ans.
2- (2)
(2) 2
11 / 3
Ex.56 =?
(11 / 3) 7

1
=
(11 / 3) 7 -1

1
=
(11 / 3) 6
6
æ3ö
= ç ÷ Ans.
è 11 ø