Exploring Real Numbers in
Mathematics and Daily Life
NAME - PRASHANT
CLASS - 10th - A
ROLL NO -05
SUBJECT - MATH
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT -02
Assessment criteria
CRITERIA - A
Knowledge & understanding
1. Euclid’s Division Algorithm
Euclid’s Division Algorithm is a method to find the Highest
Common Factor (HCF) of two numbers. For two positive
integers a and b (a > b), we can write a = bq + r, where q is
quotient and r is remainder. The process is repeated until
remainder r = 0, and the last divisor is the HCF.
Example 1: HCF of 210 and 45
210 ÷ 45 = 4 remainder 30
45 ÷ 30 = 1 remainder 15
30 ÷ 15 = 2 remainder 0
Therefore, HCF = 15.
Example 2: HCF of 119 and 544
544 ÷ 119 = 4 remainder 68
119 ÷ 68 = 1 remainder 51
68 ÷ 51 = 1 remainder 17
51 ÷ 17 = 3 remainder 0
Therefore, HCF = 17.
Thus, Euclid’s Algorithm is reliable and efficient for finding
HCF in both mathematics and real-world applications.
2. Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic states that every
integer greater than 1 can be expressed uniquely as a product
of prime numbers, apart from the order of the factors. This
theorem forms the foundation of number theory.
Example: Find HCF and LCM of 72 and 120
72 = 2³ × 3²
120 = 2³ × 3 × 5
HCF = 2³ × 3 = 24
LCM = 2³ × 3² × 5 = 360
Verification: HCF × LCM = 24 × 360 = 8640 = 72 × 120.
This confirms the important identity: HCF × LCM = Product of
the numbers.
3. Proving Irrationality
Irrational numbers cannot be written in the form p/q. Their
decimal expansion is non-terminating and non-repeating. We
prove irrationality using contradiction.
Proof that √2 is irrational:
Assume √2 = p/q in lowest form. Then p² = 2q². So p² is even,
meaning p is even. Let p = 2k. Substituting, we get q² = 2k²,
so q is also even. Thus both p and q are even, contradicting
our assumption. Hence √2 is irrational.
Proof that √5 is irrational:
Assume √5 = p/q in lowest form. Then p² = 5q². So p is
divisible by 5. Let p = 5k. Substituting, q² = 5k², so q is also
divisible by 5. Thus both p and q are divisible by 5,
contradicting lowest form. Hence √5 is irrational.
4. Venn Diagrams and Sets
The Real Number System consists of various sets of
numbers, each one expanding upon the previous. Using a
Venn diagram, we can show their relationships clearly.
- Natural Numbers (N): {1, 2, 3, ...}
- Whole Numbers (W): {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}
- Integers (Z): {..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...}
- Rational Numbers (Q): Expressed as p/q (e.g., 1/2, 3/4, -5/6)
- Irrational Numbers: Non-terminating, non-repeating decimals
like √2, π
- Real Numbers (R): Combination of rational and irrational
numbers.
Decimal expansions also help to classify numbers. Rational
numbers terminate or repeat (e.g., 1/2 = 0.5, 1/3 = 0.333...),
while irrational numbers are non-terminating and
non-repeating (e.g., √2 = 1.414..., π = 3.14159...).
5. Real-Life Applications of HCF and LCM
HCF and LCM are useful in many real-world situations like
packaging, arrangement, and scheduling. They allow us to
solve problems related to grouping and synchronization
effectively.
Example 1 (HCF - Packaging):
A shopkeeper has 120 chocolates and 180 biscuits. He wants
to divide them into equal packets with no leftover.
HCF(120,180) = 60. Hence, each packet will have 60 items.
Example 2 (LCM - Scheduling):
Two school bells ring at intervals of 24 minutes and 36
minutes. To know when they will ring together, we find
LCM(24,36) = 72 minutes. Thus, the bells ring together every
72 minutes.
These examples show how mathematics is connected to our
daily life and problem solving.
