Let's find out what the following terms mean, so we know what to choose from:
- An irrational number is a number that cannot be represented by a simple fraction. They can't be written as a ratio with two integers (like 55 = 55/1, 1.5 = 3/2, -.25 = -3/4). They are unable to repeat, and unable to end. Pi (3.1415926...) is a notable example of an irrational number. 1.7 as a fraction is 17/10. It can be written as a ratio with two integers, so it is not irrational.
- A real number is a number that represents any quantity in a number line. It includes all numbers. Every number is a real number. So, 1.7 is a real number.
- A whole number is a positive number (including 0) that does not include any fractions, decimals, radicals, etc. Numbers such as 5, 32 and 73 are considered whole numbers. 1.7 is not a whole number, since it is a decimal.
- A rational number is a number that can be written as a fraction. Values such as whole numbers (ex: 3/1), negative numbers (ex: -7/1), decimals that can be successfully written as a ratio (ex: .5) are rational numbers. Unlike irrational numbers, these can end (3.4) and repeat (3.3333333333...). 1.7 is able to be written out as a fraction with two integers and it ends. It is a rational number.
- A natural number is a positive whole number. So, naturals are greater than 0. numbers such as 1,2,3 and onward are natural numbers. 1.7 is a decimal; it is not considered a natural number.
- Integers are all the positive and negative whole numbers including zero. 123, -5000, and 34 are random examples of an integer. 1.7 is a decimal, so it is not an integer.
God Bless. You are going to do great in not only math, but in all your classes!
