CHAPTER 1

RATIONAL NUMBERS

Compendium

A. Number family
i. Adding a new member to the family (why?)
ii. What are the rational numbers?
B. The formal definition of a rational number
C. Game of closure
D. Property of closure on rational numbers
i. Meaning of closure
ii. Addition and subtraction
iii. Multiplication and division
iv. Let’s summarize closure property
E. Game of commutativity
F. Property of commutativity on rational numbers
i. Meaning of commutativity
ii. Addition and subtraction
iii. Multiplication and division
iv. Let’s summarize commutativity property
G. Game of associativity
H. Property of associativity on rational number
i. Meaning of associativity
ii. Addition and subtraction
iii. Multiplication and division
iv. Let’s summarize associativity property
I. Four important highlights
i. First two - role of zero (0) & one (1)
a. Formal definition – Role of zero (0)
b. Formal definition – Role of one (1)

1
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
ii. Last two – additive inverse & multiplicative inverse
a. Formal definition – Role of zero (0)
b. Formal definition – Role of one (1)
J. Game of distributivity
K. Property of distributivity on rational number
i. Distributivity over addition & subtraction
L. Representation of rational number on a number line
M. Insertion of rational numbers between two given rational
numbers
N. Bird’s-eye view
O. Solved examples
P. Practice yourself
Q. Solutions

2
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

3
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
A. Number family
We divided numbers into Family:
Counting numbers as natural numbers.
ex.1,2,3,4,5,6,7, ……
Counting number including 0 as whole number.
ex.0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, ……
Natural numbers, Negatives of natural numbers & 0 as integers.

ex………. -7,-6,-5,-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, ……

Now we will add one more family.

For Situations like these.

What are the rational numbers?

A Rational Number can be made by dividing

two integers (A integer is a number that is not
fractional).
Most numbers we use in everyday life are
Rational Numbers.

4
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Think about this

Why do we call them Integers and not natural or whole

number? Can a rational number be negative?
Yes, they can.

Example 1:
2.5 is a rational number 2.5 = 5/2 (5 and 2 both are integers)
5
2.5 = .
2

Here are some more examples:

Number As a fraction Rational?

5 5/1 ✅

1.75 7/4 ✅

0.01 1/100 ✅

-0.1 -1/10 ✅

2.75 11/4 ✅

2.5 5/2 ✅

-2.5 - 5/2 ✅

√2 (square root of 2) ? ❌

5
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Checkpoint

1. Convert decimal to fraction.

(a)3.5 (b) 8.5 (c) 3.25 (d)1.75

2. Convert fraction to decimal.

23 17 7 15
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 4 4

Remember this! Pro-tip!

The square root of 2 cannot How to remember the

be written as a simple value of ?

fraction. [3] May.

[1] I
And there are many more [4] have
such numbers, and [1] a
[5] larger
because they are not
[9] container
rational, they are Irrational. [2] of
[6] coffee

Mental floss!

Another two famous irrational number is Pi() and Euler’s

number(e)

6
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
B. The formal definition of a rational number

p q p/q =
1 1 1/1 1
1 2 1/2 0.5
25 100 25/100 0.25
1 1000 1/1000 0.001
275 10 275/10 27.5
7 0 7/0 No! q cannot be zero!

A rational number is a number that can be written in the

form of p/q where p and q are integers and q≠ 0

C. Game of closure

Let’s play a game to understand 'property of

closure’.

Game Rules: If on applying operator (+, -, x, ÷) 1 0

between two numbers of the same family result is
from the same family we call that family members
closed under that operation.

7
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Let's play a game of family of whole number (1 & 0).

Addition
1+0=1
0+1=1
0+0=0
1+1=2
1 & 0 are whole number and result of addition is whole number. So,
whole numbers are closed under addition.

Subtraction
1 - 0 =1
0 - 1 = -1
0 - 0 =0
1-1=0
1 & 0 are the whole number,
and the result of subtraction is not always whole number.
So, whole numbers are not closed under Subtraction.

Multiplication
1x0=0
0x1=0
0x0=0
1x1=1
1 & 0 are whole number and result of multiplication is whole number.
So, whole numbers are closed under multiplication.

8
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Division
1 ÷ 0 = Not defined
0÷1=0
0 ÷ 0 = Not defined
1÷1=1
1 & 0 are whole number and result of division is not whole always.
So, whole numbers are not closed under division.

D. Property of closure on rational number

Meaning of closure:

If on applying arithmetic operators (+, -, x, ) on the same type

of numbers (as in-game of closure) results in the same kind of
number we call that type of number to be closed under that
operator.

Example 2: Whole Number:

Addition Closed(C)
Subtraction Not Closed (NC)
Multiplication Closed(C)
Division Not Closed (NC)

9
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Try and learn

Operation C NC
Check
Addition
Closure for Integers:
Subtraction
Color the correct. Integers
Multiplication
Number
Division

Addition and subtraction

Operation First Number Second Number Let’s Check

3 (−5) 21 + (−40)
⇒ + ⇒
8 7 56
Addition 3 (−5) ⇒
−19
56
8 7 (rational)

−5 2 −15 + (14)
⇒ + ⇒
7 3 21
Subtraction −5 2 ⇒
−1
21
7 3 (rational)

10
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Multiplication and Division

z First Number Second Let’s Check

Number
−2 (4) 8
⇒ 𝑥 −
Multiplication −2 (4) 3 5 15
(rational)
3 5

−5 (2)
⇒ ÷
−5 2 3 5
3 5 −25
⇒
6
Division (rational)

2 0 Remember
❌ q≠0

Pro-tip! Remember this!

If we exclude q=0, then Rational Numbers:

Multiplication: Closed
the division is always
Division: Closed only if q 0.
closed.

11
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Recap

Closure Property on Rational Number:

Operator Closed

Addition ✅

Subtraction ✅

Multiplication ✅

Division ✅
Excluding q ≠ 0

Try and learn

Why denominator q ≠ 0?
Let's revisit what a division is
The division is a repeated subtraction
How?
15
=3
5

because 15-5-5-5 = 0
Repeated subtraction.
So If denominator = 0
15
=? (15-0-0-0-0-0-0-0…….)
0

that’s called undefined.

12
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Mark ✅ & ❌

Number Closed Under

Type
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

Whole ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Natural

Integer

Rational

E. Game of commutativity

Let's play a game to understand 'property of commutativity.'

Whole numbers

OPERATIONS NUMBERS GAME RESULT

0+ 7 = 7 + 0 = 7
-2+(-3) = -3 + (-2)
Addition
For any two whole number a
& b: a + b = b + a Commutative

0- 7 ≠ 7 - 0
-2-(-3) ≠-3 - (-2)
Subtraction Not
For any two whole number a
& b: a - b ≠ b - a Commutative

Multiplication Is,2x 3 = 3 x 2? ? (Do yourself)

Division 𝐼𝑠, 2 ÷0 = 0÷ 2? ? (Do yourself)

13
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Pro-tip!

If swapping numbers while applying arithmetic operator don’t

change result, we say numbers to be commutative under that
operation.

F. Property of commutativity on rational number

Meaning of commutativity

If we can swap numbers while applying an arithmetic operator

(+, -, x, ) and the result remains the same as it called
commutative under that operation.

Example 3:
Whole Number:
Addition Commutative
Subtraction Not Commutative
Multiplication Commutative
Operation Commutative
Division Not Commutative
Addition ✅
Try and learn
Subtraction ?

Mark ✅ & ❌ Multiplication ?

Let’s check for Integers Division ?

14
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Addition and Subtraction

Operation Let’s Check Commutativity

Addition −2 5 1 5 −2 1
−2 5 ( )+( )= ( )+( )=
3 7 21 7 3 21
, ✅
3 7 −2 5 5 −2
so,( 3 ) + (7) = (7) + ( 3 )

Subtraction 2 5 −7 5 2 7
( )−( )= ( )−( )=
2 5 3 4 12 4 3 21
,
3 4 2 5 5 2 ❌
so,(3) − (4) ≠ (4) − (3)

Multiplication and Division

Operation Let’s Check Commutativity

Multiplication −7 6
−7 6 ( )𝑥( )
3 5
, −42 6 −7 −42 ✅
3 5 = ( )𝑥( ) =
15 5 3 15
−7 6
so,( 3 ) 𝑥 (5) =
6 −7
(5) 𝑥 ( 3 )

Division 1 3 2 3 1
1 3 ( )÷( )= ( )÷( )
, 2 4 3 4 2
2 4 3
=
2
❌
1 3 3 1
so,( ) ÷ ( ) ≠ ( ) ÷ ( )
2 4 4 2

15
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Recap Operation Closed

Addition ✅
Commutativity Property
on Rational Number: Subtraction ❌
How Commutativity helps:
Multiplication ✅
Example 4:

-1 +2 + (-2) + 1 Division ❌
Swapping 2 & -1
2 + (-1) + (-2) + 1
Swapping -2 & -1
2 + (-2) +(-1) + 1
⇒ 2-2-1+1 = 0

Try and learn

Mark ✅ & ❌

Number Commutativity
Type
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

Whole ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Natural

Integer

Rational

16
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
G. Game of associativity

Three numbers a, b, c if while applying arithmetic operator

position of numbers doesn't matter then it's associative.
Ex. For Addition: a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c

Whole numbers

Operations Numbers Game result

ADDITION (2+3) + 5 = 2 +(3+5) Associative

For any three-whole
number

a, b & c:
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

SUBTRACTION (4 - 5)-3 ≠ 4 – (5 - 3) Not

-4 ≠ 2 Associative
For any three-whole
number

a, b & c:
(a - b) - c ≠ a – (b – c)

MULTIPLICATION Is Multiplication ? (Do yourself)

associative?

DIVISION Is Division associative? ? (Do yourself)

17
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
H. Property of associativity on rational numbers
Meaning of associativity

Three numbers a, b, c if while applying arithmetic operator (+,

-, , ) position of numbers doesn't matter then it's associative.
We call it associativity under that operation.

Example 5:
Whole Number:

Addition Associative
Subtraction Not Associative
Multiplication Associative
Division Not Associative.

Try and learn

Mark ✅ & ❌

Let’s check for Integers

Operation Associative

Addition ✅

Subtraction ?

Multiplication ?

Division ?

18
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Addition and Subtraction

Operation Let’s Check Associativity

Addition −2 3 −5 −9
−2 3 −5 + ( + ( )) =
, , 3 5 6 10
3 5 6 ✅
−2 3 −5 −9
( + )+ =
3 5 6 10
−2 3 −5 −2 3 −5
so, 3 + (5 + ( 6 )) = ( 3 + 5) + 6

Subtraction −2 −4 1 19
−( − ( )) =
−2 −4 1 3 5 2 30
, ,
3 5 2
−2 −4 1 −11
( − ( )) − =
3 5 2 30 ❌
−2 −4 1 −2 −4 1
so, 3 − ( 5 + (2)) ≠ ( 3 − ( 5 )) − 2

19
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Multiplication and Division

Operation Let’s Check Associativity

Multiplication −7 5 2 −35 −7 5 2 −35

( )𝑥( 𝑥 ) = ( 𝑥 )𝑥 =
−7 5 2 3 4 9 54 3 4 9 54
, , ✅
3 4 9 −7 5 2 −7 5 2
so,( 3 ) 𝑥 (4 𝑥 9) ( 3 𝑥 4) 𝑥 9
⇒ 𝑎 × (𝑏 × 𝑐) = (𝑎 × 𝑏) × 𝑐

Division 1 1 2 15 1 1 2 3
( ÷ )÷ = ÷( ÷ )=
2 3 5 4 2 3 5 5
1 1 2
, , 1 1 2 1 1 2 ❌
2 3 5 so,(2 ÷ 3) ÷ 5 ≠ 2 ÷ (3 ÷ 5)

⇒ 𝑎 ÷ (𝑏 ÷ 𝑐) ≠ (𝑎 ÷ 𝑏) ÷ 𝑐

Try and learn

Associativity Property on Rational Number:

Operation Associativity

Addition ✅

Subtraction ❌

Multiplication ✅

Division ❌

20
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Mark ✅ & ❌

Number Associativity
Type
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

Whole ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Natural

Integer

Rational

I. Four important highlights

First two
1st: Role of zero (0)

0+2=2+0=2
-5 + 0 = 0 – 5 = -5
Adding 0 to any number results the
same number

2nd: Role of one (1)

5
Multiplying 1 with any number,
results the same number.

21
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Try and learn

1. To get -5 from 5 we subtract 5 from?

2. If x is a rational number, then x + 0 = ?
3. What should be multiplied with 2-1 to get the product zero.
4. If X + Y = X ; find the value of Y ?
5. If xy = x. Find y =?
6. If -x + y = x. Find y =?
7. x + 0 – 1 = x – (-1). True or False
8. (x + y) x = 1 Given x + y = x. Find x and y?

a. Formal definition - Role of zero (0)

Zero is called the additive identity for rational numbers.

b. Formal definition - Role of one (1)

One is called multiplicative identity for rational numbers.

Last two – additive inverse and multiplicative inverse

Additive Inverse
Additive inverse of -2 is 2 Multiplicative Inverse of 2 is
because -2 + 2 = 0 because 2 x = 1
Additive inverse of is

22
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Try and learn

1. Additive Inverse of –(-x) is?

2. Multiplicative Inverse of 0 is?

True or false:
(a) Additive Inverse is always greater than the number.
(b) Additive inverse of -1 is 1?
(c)The multiplicative inverse of -1 is -1?
(d) Additive inverse of zero is 1?
(e) The multiplicative inverse of zero is one?
(f) Additive inverse and multiplicative inverse for a number are equal?

a. Formal Definition - Additive inverse number

A number that when added to given number results zero is

called the additive inverse of that number.
Additive inverse of is

b. Formal Definition - Multiplicative inverse of a number

A number that when multiplied to given number results 1 is

called multiplicative inverse of that number.

Additive inverse of is = 1

23
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
J. Game of distributivity

Colored Cards Represent Number

Game rules: If we can distribute multiplication over addition or

subtraction we call it distributive

Example 6: Above I have distributed multiplication of orange box

over blue and green If the final result is the same in both we call it
distributive.
Now Check this:

−𝟑 𝟐 −𝟓
= ; = ; =
𝟒 𝟑 𝟔

Check If multiplication is distributive of addition and subtraction?

24
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Try and learn

Mark ✅& ❌
Is Multiplication distributive over addition?
Is Multiplication distributive over subtraction?

K. Property of distributivity on rational numbers

If a x (b + c) = ab + ac, we call multiplication distributive over

addition.
If a x (b – c) = ab – ac, we call multiplication distributive over
Subtraction.

Try and learn

1. Which property helps me to write 2 x (3 + 6) as 2x3 + 2x6

2. Which property helps me write 0 x (1+2) as 0 x 1+0 x 2
3 4 8
3. Use the distributive property to calculate (7 + 5) =?
5
1 5 1
4. Use the distributive property to calculate (6 − 3) =?
8

25
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
L. Representation of rational number on a number
line
The number line for rational number will
Extend from -∞ to ∞.
Let’s look at some examples:
a. A number line showing rational number ½ and -½

Here, ½ divides the distance between 0 and 1 into two equal parts.
1
b. Similarly, can be represented by dividing the distance between
8

0 and 1 into eight equal parts.

Remember, for any given rational number, the denominator informs

about the number of equal parts into which the first unit has to be
divided, and numerator informs 'how many' of these parts to be
considered.

𝟒
For example, To represent , we need 4 of 9 equal parts.
𝟗

26
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
M. A rational number between two rational numbers

There can be an infinite rational number between two rational

number.
𝟐 𝟐
Example 7: How many rational numbers exist between − 𝒂𝒏𝒅
𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎

Let’s Solve:
𝟐 −𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟐 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
We can write − 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠 now, we can write the
𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

−𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 −𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟖 −𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟕 −𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟔

infinite rational number as , , , and so on.
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

So, rational between two rational is infinite.

𝟑 𝟑
Example 8: Find ten rational numbers between 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ?
𝟓 𝟒

Let’s Solve:
𝟑 𝟑𝒙𝟐𝟎 𝟔𝟎 𝟑 𝟑𝒙𝟐𝟓 𝟕𝟓
We can write 𝑎𝑠 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠 =
𝟓 𝟓𝒙𝟐𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟒 𝟒𝒙𝟐𝟓 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟑 𝟑
Hence, ten rational number between 𝑎𝑛𝑑 are :
𝟓 𝟒

61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
, , , , , , , , ,
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

27
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Try and learn

𝟐 𝟐
1. Find ten rational number between 𝒂𝒏𝒅
𝟓 𝟒

Bird’s-eye view

● A Rational Number can be made by dividing two integers

● An integer is a number that is not fractional.
● A rational number is a number that can be written in the form of
p/q where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0
● If on applying arithmetic operators (+, -, x, ÷) on same type of
number (as in game of closure) results same type of number we
call that type of number to be closed under that operation.
● Three numbers a, b, c if while applying arithmetic operator
position of numbers doesn’t matter then its associative.
Ex. For Addition: a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c
● Zero is called the additive identity for rational numbers.
● One is called multiplicative identity for rational numbers.
● Number that when added to given number results zero is called
additive inverse of that number.
𝑎 −𝑎 𝑎 −𝑎
Additive inverse of is ⇒ +( )=0
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

● Number that when multiplied to given number results 1 is called

𝑎 𝑏
multiplicative inverse of that number. Additive inverse of is ⇒
𝑏 𝑎
𝑎 𝑏
𝑥 =1
𝑏 𝑎

● If we can distribute multiplication over addition or subtraction we

call it distrbutive

28
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
● If a x (b + c) = ab + ac, we call multiplication distributive over
addition.
If a x (b – c) = ab – ac, we call multiplication distributive over
Subtraction.
● The number line for rational number will extend from -∞ to ∞.
● For any given rational number, the denominator informs about the
number of equal parts into which first unit has to be divided and
numerator informs ‘how many’ of these parts to be considered.
● There can be infinite rational number between two rational
number.

Solved examples

Example 9:
Write the additive inverse of each of the following:
1. 1
2. −19
3. −23
4. 2
5. −9/1
Answer:
(i) 1
Additive inverse = -1
(ii) −19
Additive inverse = 19
(iii) −23
Additive inverse = 23
(iv) 2

29
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Additive inverse =-2
(v) -9/1=-9
Additive inverse =9
Example 10:
What is the additive identity?
1. 1
2. -1
3. 0
4. None of the above
Answer: 0
Example 11:
True or False Statement

1. The difference of two rational number is a rational numbers.

2. Addition of rational numbers is associative.
3. Addition of rational numbers is commutative.
4. Subtraction of rational numbers is not commutative.
5. The addition or subtraction of two rational number is a rational
number.
Answer: All the statement are true
Example 12:
Find the multiplicative inverse of the following
11
1. −
12
10
2. −
9
1
3.
2
5 2
4. − × −
2 5
1 2
5. − × −
2 5
6. −4

30
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Answer:

11
1. −
12
12
Multiplicative inverse ⇒ −
11
9
2. -10/9 Multiplicative inverse = −
10

3. ½
Multiplicative inverse = 2
5 2
4. − × − =1
2 5

Multiplicative inverse =1
1 2 1
5. − × − =
2 5 5

Multiplicative inverse =5
6. -4
Multiplicative inverse =-1/4

Example 13:
Which of these properties hold false for Multiplication of rational
1. Associative law
2. Closure law
3. Commutative law
4. Existence of Multiplicative identity
5. None of the these
Answer: None of these

31
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Example 14:
Find the below multiplication
1 9
1. − ×
2 10
25 1
2. − ×
9 3
7
3. × 10
24

Answer:
1 9
1. − ×
2 10

1×9 9
=− =−
2×10 20

25 1
2. − ×
9 3

−25×1 −25
= =
9×3 27

7
3. × 10
24

7×10 70
= 24
= 24

Example 15:
Find the following
1
1. ( )-1
2

2. (3)-1
3. (-6)-1
1 −1
4. ( )
−2

Answer:
1
1. Multiplicative inverse of ( ) = 2
2
1
2. Multiplicative inverse of (3) =
3
1
3. Multiplicative inverse of (−6) = −
6

32
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
1
4. Multiplicative inverse of ( ) = −2
−2

Example 16:
The product of two rational numbers is 2, if one of the rational
numbers is 1/7, what is the value of other?
Answer:
Let a be the other number, then
1
𝑎× =2
7
Or
1
𝑎 =2÷
7
𝑎 = 2 × 7 = 14
Example 17:
Fill in the blanks
(i) ____ ÷ (-3)= (-4/15)
(ii) The numbers __________ and __________ are their own reciprocals
(iii) The reciprocal of 1 is __________.
(iv) (1/2) ÷ (3/2) =__________.
(v) The product of two rational numbers is always a __________.
(vi) The reciprocal of a negative rational number is __________.

Answer:
1. 4/5
2. 1 and -1
3. 1
4. 1/3
5. Rational Number
6. Negative rational number

33
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Example 18:
Write five rational numbers which are smaller than 5
Answer:
0,1,2,3,4
Example 19:
Find five rational numbers between 1 and 2
Answer:
We can write as
10
1=
10
20
2=
10
So, five rational numbers will be
11 12 13 14 15
, , , ,
10 10 10 10 10

Example 20:
5 9 3 7
Arrange the rational numbers − , , − and in ascending order.
12 −24 4 16

Answer:
We first express each of the given rational numbers into a form having
positive denominator.
5 9 3 7
We thus obtain the rational numbers − ,− , − and
12 24 4 16

The L.C.M. of 12, 24, 4 and 16 is 48.

5 (−5)×4 20 9 (−9)×2 18
− = =− ,− = = −
12 12×4 48 24 24×2 48

3 (−3) × 12 −36 7 7×3 21

− = = , = =
4 12 × 4 48 16 16 × 3 48
36 −20 −18 21
Clearly, − < < <
48 48 48 48
3 5 9 7
Hence, − < − <− <
4 12 24 16

34
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
Example 21:
Divide:
11 5
1. 𝑏𝑦 −
24 8
9 3
2. − 𝑏𝑦 −
40 8

11 5 11 8 11 × 8 88 11
(𝑖) ÷− = × = = =−
24 8 24 −5 24 × (−5) −120 15
9 3 9 8 −9 × 8 72 3
(𝑖𝑖) − ÷− =− × = = =
40 8 40 −3 40 × −3 120 5
Example 22:
28
The product of two rational numbers is − . If one of the numbers is
27
4
− ,fine the other.
9

Let the other number be x. Then

4 28
𝑥 ×− = −
9 27
28 4 28 9 −28 × 9
⇒𝑥 =− ÷− =− × =
27 9 27 −4 27 × −4
−(28 × 9) 7
⇒𝑥= =
−(27 × 4) 3
𝟕
Hence, the required number is .
𝟑

Example 23:

3 5
Find 12 rational numbers between − 𝑎𝑛𝑑
4 6

L.C.M of 4 and 6 is 12.

3 (−3)×3 −9 5 5×2 10
Now, − = = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = = .
4 4×3 12 6 6×2 12

Clearly, the rational numbers

8 7 1 1 2 9 9 10
– ,− ,…..,− , 0, , ,…., 𝑙𝑖𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 − 𝑎𝑛𝑑 . , 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 −
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
3 5
𝑎𝑛𝑑
4 6

35
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
8 7 1 1 2 3 3
– ,− ,…..,− , 0, , and are 12 rational numbers between −
12 12 12 12 12 12 4
5
and
6

Example 24:
7 4
What number should be added to − to get ?
8 9

Let the required number to be added be x.

7 4 4 7
Then, − + 𝑥 = ⇒ 𝑥 = + (𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 − )
8 9 9 8

4 7 32 + 63 95
⇒𝑥=( + )= =
9 8 72 72
95
Hence, the required number is
72

1. Express ¾ as rational number with denominator:

(a) 32 (b) -80
−5 x
= .
2. If 7 28 Find x =?

3. Give three rational number equivalents to

−3 4
(𝑎) (𝑏)
4 11
5 7
4. List four rational numbers between 𝑎𝑛𝑑
7 8
𝑝
5. Write each of the following numbers in form where p & q are
𝑞

integers.
(a) Six-eighth (b) Three and a half
(c) Opposite of 1 (d) One-fourth
(e) Reciprocal of three-fourths (f) Opposite of 0
(g) Additive inverse of -1 (h) Multiplicative inverse of -1

36
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
−1
6. What should be added to to get the smallest natural number?
2
−5
7. What should be multiplied with to obtain the nearest integer?
8

Objective type questions

𝑝
1. A number which can be expressed as where p and q are integers,
𝑞

and q ≠ 0 is.
(a) Natural number.

(b) Whole number.

(c) Integer
(d) Rational number.
𝑝
2. A number of the form is said to be a rational number if
𝑞

(a) p and q are integers.

(b) p and q are integers and q ≠ 0
(c) p and q are integers and p ≠ 0
(d) p and q are integers and p ≠ 0 also q ≠ 0.
3 −5 −19
3. The numerical expression + = shows that
8 7 56

(a) Rational numbers are closed under addition.

(b) Rational numbers are not closed under addition.
(c) Rational numbers are closed under multiplication.
(d) Addition of rational numbers is not commutative
4. Which of the following is not true?
(a) Rational numbers are closed under addition.
(b) Rational numbers are closed under subtraction.
(c) Rational numbers are closed under multiplication.
(d) Rational numbers are closed under division.

37
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
3 1 1 3
5. + = + is an example to show that
8 7 7 8

(a) Addition of rational numbers is commutative.

(b) Rational numbers are closed under addition.
(c) Addition of rational number is associative
(d) Rational numbers are distributive under addition.
6. Which of the following expressions shows that rational numbers
are associative under multiplication
𝟐 −𝟔 𝟑 𝟐 𝟔 𝟐 𝟐 −𝟔 𝟑 𝟐 𝟑 −𝟔
(a) 𝒙 ( 𝒙 ) = ( 𝒙 )𝒙 (b) 𝒙 ( 𝒙 ) = 𝒙( 𝒙 )
𝟑 𝟕 𝟓 𝟑 𝟕 𝟑 𝟑 𝟕 𝟓 𝟑 𝟓 𝟕
𝟐 −𝟔 𝟑 𝟑 𝟐 −𝟔 𝟐 −𝟔 𝟑 −𝟔 𝟐 𝟑
(c) 𝒙 ( 𝒙 ) = ( 𝒙 )𝒙 (d) ( 𝒙 ) 𝒙 𝟓 = ( 𝟕 𝒙 𝟑) 𝒙
𝟑 𝟕 𝟓 𝟓 𝟑 𝟕 𝟑 𝟕 𝟓

7. Zero (0) is
(a) The identity for addition of rational numbers.
(b) The identity for the subtraction of rational numbers.
(c) The identity for multiplication of rational numbers.
(d) The identity for the division of rational numbers.
8. One (1) is
(a) The identity for the addition of rational numbers.
(b) The identity for the subtraction of rational numbers.
(c) The identity for multiplication of rational numbers.
(d) The identity for the division of rational numbers.
−7
9. Additive inverse of is:
18
−𝟕 −𝟏𝟖
(a) (b)
𝟏𝟖 𝟕
𝟕 𝟕
(c) (d)
𝟏𝟗 𝟏𝟖

10. The multiplicative inverse of a negative rational number is

(a) A positive rational number (b) A negative rational number.
(c) 0 (d) 1

38
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
11. If x + 0 = 0 + x = x, which is rational number, then 0 is called
(a) Identity for the addition of rational numbers.
(b) Additive inverse of x.
(c) The multiplicative inverse of x.
(d) Reciprocal of x.

Subjective Type Questions:

𝒑
1. p = m x t and q = n x t. Find
𝒒
𝟖 𝟑
2. Find the sum of 𝒂𝒏𝒅
𝟏𝟑 𝟏𝟏
𝟐𝟗 𝟑𝟎
3. Solve: - =?
𝟒 𝟕

4. How many rational numbers are between two numbers?

𝟖
5. To get the product 1 what we should multiply with ?
𝟑

6. Additive inverse of - (-x) is?

7. The reciprocal of 1 and -1 are?
8. If y be the reciprocal of rational number x, then the reciprocal of y
will be
−𝟑 −𝟕
9. The reciprocal of 𝒙 ( ) =?
𝟖 𝟏𝟑
𝟓
10. The equivalent of whose denominator is 35.
𝟕

39
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS

Put (✅) wherever applicable

Number Natural Whole Integer Rational

Number Number Number

(a) -113

19
(b) 27

(c) 0

(d) −234

2
(e) 27

(f) 12

True or false:

(a) 0 is a rational number.

(b) Every integer is a rational number, but every rational number is
not an integer.
(c) Every natural number is a rational number, but every rational
number is not natural.
(d) In rational number, the denominator has to be a non-zero integer.
(e) Sum of two rational is always rational.
(f) A rational number is closed over subtraction.
(g) All decimals numbers are rational numbers.

40
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
(h) Two rational numbers with different denominator cannot be
equal.

Match the column:

Column I Column II

𝑎 𝑎 𝑎𝑑
𝑖) ÷ p)
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏𝑐

𝑎 𝑐 q) 1
𝑖𝑖) ÷
𝑏 𝑑
𝑎 r)−1
𝑖𝑖𝑖) ÷ (−1)
𝑏
𝑎 −𝑎 𝑏𝑐
iv) 𝑏 ÷ s)𝑎𝑑
𝑏

𝑏 𝑑 −𝑎
v) ÷𝑐 t) 𝑏
𝑎

𝑎 −𝑎 −1
vi) 𝑏 ÷ u) 𝑏
1

41
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
𝟏𝟓 𝟑𝟓
1. Between the numbers and , the greater number is __.
𝟐𝟎 𝟒𝟎

2. If y be the reciprocal of x, then the reciprocal of y2 in terms of x will

be ___.
−𝟕 −𝟓 −𝟐 −𝟏 −𝟑
3. Arrange the rational number , , , , in ascending order.
𝟏𝟎 𝟖 𝟑 𝟒 𝟓

4. From the rope 68m long, pieces of equal size are cut. If the length
of one piece is 𝟒𝟏𝟒 𝒎, find several such pieces.
𝟐
5. A body floats of its volume above the surface. What is the ratio
𝟗

the body submerged volume to its expose volume.

6. The product of two rational number is 2 if one of the rational
numbers is 1/7, what is the value of others?.
7. Write five rational numbers which are smaller than 5.
8. Verify the property x + y = y + x of rational numbers by taking
−𝟐 −𝟗
x= ,y=
𝟓 𝟏𝟎

9. Simplify using distributive Property

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
[ 𝒙 ] + [ 𝒙 𝟔]
𝟐 𝟒 𝟐
10. Simplify using the property and name the property.
1 2 1 2
[ 𝑥 ]−[ 𝑥 ]
5 15 5 5
11. Name the property which allows you to compute.
1 5 2 1 2 5
( 𝑥 ) 𝑥 𝑎𝑠 ( 𝑥 )𝑥
5 9 3 5 3 9

42
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
12. Use the distributivity of multiplication of rational numbers over
addition and subtraction to simplify
𝟑 𝟑𝟓 𝟏𝟎 −𝟓 𝟖 𝟏𝟔
(a) 𝒙 [ + ] (b) 𝒙[ + ]
𝟓 𝟐𝟒 𝟏 𝟒 𝟐𝟒 𝟓
𝟐 𝟕 𝟐𝟏 𝟑 𝟖
(c) 𝒙 [ − ] (d) 𝒙 [ − 𝟒𝟎]
𝟕 𝟏𝟔 𝟒 𝟒 𝟗
𝟏𝟗 𝟏𝟕𝟏
13. The cost of metres of wire is Rs . Find the cost of one metre of
𝟒 𝟐

the wire.
𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟓 𝟏𝟕
14. A train travels km in hours. Find the speed of the train in
𝟐 𝟐

km/h.
𝟏 𝟏
15. of the class students are above average, are average and rest
𝟔 𝟒

are below average. If there are 48 students in all, how many

students are below average in the class?
16. Name the property used in the following:
−𝟕 −𝟑 −𝟑 −𝟕
(a) 𝒙 = 𝒙
𝟏𝟏 𝟓 𝟓 𝟏𝟏

−𝟐 𝟑 −𝟏 −𝟐 𝟑 −𝟐 −𝟏
(b) 𝒙( + ) = [ 𝟑 𝒙 𝟒] + [ 𝟑 𝒙 ]
𝟑 𝟒 𝟐 𝟐

𝟏 𝟒 −𝟒 𝟏 𝟒 −𝟒
(c) + [ + ( )] = [ + ( )] +
𝟑 𝟗 𝟑 𝟑 𝟗 𝟑

−𝟐 −𝟐 −𝟐
(d) +𝟎 = 𝟎+( )=
𝟕 𝟕 𝟕

17. Find the multiplicative inverse of :

𝟏 𝟏
(a) -1 (b) 3
𝟖 𝟑
𝟏 𝟏𝟑 𝟓
18. Arrange the numbers , , in the descending order.
𝟒 𝟏𝟔 𝟖
𝟏𝟒
19. The product of two rational numbers is − . If one of the numbers
𝟐𝟕
𝟕
be , find the other.
𝟗

43
 CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
𝟏
20. One fruit salad recipe requires cup of sugar. Another recipe for
𝟐

the same fruit salad requires 22 tablespoons of sugar. If 1

𝟏
tablespoon is equivalent to cup, how much more sugar does
𝟏𝟔

the first recipe require?

Solutions

Novice level

1. Objective Type 1 2 3 4 5
(d) (b) (a) (d) (a)
6 7 8 9 10 11
(c) (a) (c) (d) (b) (a)

Number Natural Whole Integer Rational

Number Number Number

a)-113 No No Yes Yes

19 No No No Yes
b)
27

c) 0 No Yes Yes Yes

d) −234 No No No Yes

2 No No No Yes
e)
27

f) 12 Yes Yes Yes Yes

44
CHAPTER 1
RATIONAL NUMBERS
2. True or false
A B C D E F G H
T T T T T T T F

3. Match the column

(i) q (ii) p (iii) t (iv) r
(v) s (vi) u

END

45