Question

How do you represent rational numbers on a number line?

Answer 1

Step 1: Explanation of Rational Numbers

A rational number, in Mathematics, can be defined as any number which can be represented in the form of $\frac{p}{q}$ where $q\ne 0$.

1. We can say that any fraction fits under the category of rational numbers, where the denominator and numerator are integers and the denominator is not equal to zero.
2. When the rational number is divided, the result will be in decimal form, which may be either a terminating decimal or a repeating decimal.
3. The set of rational numbers is denoted by the letter $“Q”$.

Step 2: Explanation of Number line

1. A number line is a pictorial representation of numbers on a straight line.
2. It’s a reference for comparing and ordering numbers.
3. It can be used to represent any real number that includes every whole number and natural number.

Step 3: Representation on number line

1. The number line can be used to represent rational numbers.
2. The number zero is referred to as the origin of a number line.
3. On the right side of the origin, all positive values are expressed, and on the left side of the origin, all negative values are represented.

For example,

Represent $\frac{43}{5}$ on the number line.

First, convert $\frac{43}{5}$ into the mixed fraction.

$\begin{array}{l}\frac{43}{5}=8\frac{3}{5}\end{array}$

Hence, the above-given diagram shows how to represent a rational number on the number line.