Class 8 Maths - Rational Numbers
1. DEFINITION:
A rational number is a number that can be expressed in the form p/q, where p and q are integers
and q != 0.
Examples: 1/2, -3/4, 5, 0, -7 etc.
2. PROPERTIES OF RATIONAL NUMBERS:
(i) Closure:
- Rational numbers are closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
e.g., 2/3 + 3/4 = 17/12 (rational)
(ii) Commutative Property:
- Addition and multiplication are commutative.
a + b = b + a, a × b = b × a
(iii) Associative Property:
- Addition and multiplication are associative.
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
(iv) Existence of Identity:
- Additive identity is 0: a + 0 = a
- Multiplicative identity is 1: a × 1 = a
(v) Existence of Inverse:
- Additive inverse of a is -a.
- Multiplicative inverse of a is 1/a, if a != 0.
(vi) Distributive Property:
- a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c
3. STANDARD FORM:
- A rational number is said to be in standard form when the numerator and denominator have no
common factor (except 1), and the denominator is positive.
4. COMPARISON OF RATIONAL NUMBERS:
- Convert rational numbers to like denominators and compare numerators.
5. ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION:
- Convert to like denominators and then perform operation.
6. MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION:
- Multiply numerators and denominators directly.
- For division, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.
7. REPRESENTATION ON NUMBER LINE:
- Mark rational numbers on number line by dividing units accordingly.
8. IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Every integer is a rational number.
- Every natural number is a rational number.
- Every rational number is not an integer.
EXAMPLES:
1. Is 4 a rational number?
Yes, 4 = 4/1
2. Find additive inverse of -7/9
Answer: 7/9
3. Multiply: (-3/5) × (10/9)
Answer: -30/45 = -2/3