Answer to Question #114302 in Algebra for Felicia Ngubandze

Question

1. Differentiate between rational and irrational numbers (give examples).
2. Discuss any five special facts to remember about the number zero.
3. What is an absolute value? Discuss the reasons why it is necessary.

Answer 1

1.Numbers that can be expressed as a ratio of two number (p/q form;$q\neq0$ ) are termed as a rational number.Ex - 2,3

Numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two numbers are termed as an irrational number. Ex - √2,√3

2.(i)Zero was invented by Brahmagupta(Hindu astronomer and mathematician) in 628 AD in India , used later by the Persians and Arabs and later in Europe.

(ii)0 (zero) is both a number and the numerical digit used to represent that number in numerals.

(iii)The zero number is denoted with the 0 symbol.

(iv)Zero is unbiased, which means there is no such thing as -0 and +0.

(v)1/0=∞ and 1/-0=-∞ are wrong in terms of strict math. So the mathematicians call it UNDEFINED.

3.Absolute value is necessary because it is a convenient way to make sure that a quantity is non-negative.