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1.1 Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and

Examples
FlexBooks 2.0 > CK-12 CBSE Maths Class 10 > Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples
Last Modified: Mar 26, 2024

All numbers belong to the set of numbers known as the real number system. The real
number system consists of every number you have ever dealt with since you were old
enough to count. The numbers in the real number system are divided into two main
groups. One group is called the rational numbers, and the other is called the irrational
numbers. The set of rational numbers includes natural numbers, whole numbers,
integers, numbers that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, decimal numbers
that terminate and decimal numbers that have a repeating pattern of digits.

What are Natural Numbers?

Natural numbers are the set of numbers we use for counting or enumerating items. The
set of natural numbers is denoted by Thus The set of natural
numbers is infinite.

What are Whole Numbers?

The set of whole numbers is the set of natural numbers plus zero. The set of whole
numbers
Mute meis denoted by Thus

What are Integers?

The set of integers adds the opposites of the natural numbers to the set of whole
numbers: Integers are made of three distinct subsets:
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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

negative integers, zero and positive integers. In this sense, the positive integers are just
natural numbers. The set of integers is denoted by or

What are Rational Numbers?

A rational number is any number that can be expressed in the form where
The set of rational numbers is denoted by Notice that rational numbers are fractions
containing integers in both the numerator and the denominator, and the denominator is
never 0. We can also see that in every natural number, a whole number and integer is a
rational number with a denominator of 1. When a rational number is expressed as a
decimal, then the decimals will terminate ( end ) or it will have a repeating pattern of
digits. For example, are all rational numbers.

What are Irrational Numbers?

The set of irrational numbers consists of all numbers that are not rational. This set of
irrational numbers includes those numbers that cannot be written as the ratio of two
integers, decimal numbers that are non-terminating and decimals that do not have a
repeating pattern of digits. For example, pi are irrational
numbers.

What are Real Numbers?

The sets of rational and irrational numbers constitute the set of real numbers. The set of
real numbers is denoted by Similar to integers, the real numbers can be divided into
three subsets: negative real numbers, zero and positive real numbers. Each subset
includes fractions, decimals and irrational numbers according to their algebraic sign ( + or
- ). Zero is considered neither positive nor negative.

Many times you will need to organize real numbers to determine the least value, greatest
value or both. This is usually done on a number line by choosing an arbitrary point as 0,
with negative numbers to the left of 0 and positive numbers to the right of 0. Any real
number corresponds to a unique position on the number line. The converse is also true.
Each location on the number line corresponds to exactly one real number.

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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

[Figure 1]

Notice that when you classify a number, it can often belong to more than one set of
numbers. Number 10 is not only a natural number but also a whole number, an integer
and a rational number.

Real Number System - Venn Diagram

The following diagram may help you to better understand the real number system.

[Figure 2]

Real Numbers - Examples

Example 1

To which subsets of the real numbers does -45 belong?

-45 is a rational number and an integer.

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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

Example 2

List all the subsets that 2.1 lies in.

2.1 is a terminating decimal. Therefore, it is a rational number. As a fraction, we

would write because the 2 is in the tenth position after the decimal. It is also a
real number. This counts as one of the subsets since the set of real numbers is a
subset of itself as all sets are.

Example 3

Is an irrational number?

Even though can be expressed as a non-terminating decimal, 1.66666666... or

the decimal part repeats. It can also be written as a fraction with an integer in the
numerator and the denominator, so it is a rational number.

CK-12 PLIX Real Numbers: Sets and Symbols

Sets and Symbols: Number System

Launch

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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

Remember this!

Real Numbers: Any number that can be plotted on a number line. Symbol:

Examples: 8, 4.67, Π

Rational Numbers: Any number that can be written as a fraction, including

repeating decimals. Symbol:

Examples:

Irrational Numbers: Real numbers that are not rational. When written as a
decimal, these numbers do not end or repeat.

Examples:

Integers: All positive and negative "counting" numbers and zero. Symbol:

Examples: -4, 6, 23, -10

Whole numbers: All positive "counting" numbers and zero. Symbol:

Examples: 0, 1, 2, 3

Natural numbers: All positive "counting" numbers. Symbol:

Examples: 1, 2, 3, ...

Real Numbers - Review Questions

1. What is the most specific subset of real numbers that the following numbers belong to?

i. 5.67
ii.

iii.

iv. 0
v. -75

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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

vi.

2. List the subsets of real numbers that the following numbers are a part of.

i. 4

ii.

iii.

3. Determine if the following statements are true or false.

i. Integers are rational numbers.

ii. Every whole number is a real number.
iii. Integers are irrational numbers.
iv. A natural number is a rational number.
v. An irrational number is a real number.
vi. Zero is a natural number.

4. Rewrite the following repeating decimals as fractions.

i. 0.4646464646...
ii. 0.81212121212...
iii. 0.35050505050...
iv. 2.485485485485485...
v. 1.25141414141414...

Image Attributions

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4/17/24, 5:55 PM Real Numbers - Definition, Symbol and Examples | CK-12 Foundation

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