REAL NUMBER SYSTEM

In this unit, you will examine the real number system closely. You will work with
rational and irrational numbers that together make up the real number system. You will
identify properties for operations. You will evaluate expressions using the “order of
operations” and examine the use of variables. You will also solve simple equations.

Real Numbers

Rational and Irrational Numbers

Compare Real Numbers

Properties of Real Numbers

Order of Operations with Real Numbers

Introduction to Variables and Expressions

Solving One-Step Equations

Solving Equations with Rational Numbers

Real Numbers

Real numbers are the numbers that can be represented on the number line. They include
the whole numbers, their opposites, and all the other numbers in between them.

The real numbers are a union of the rational and irrational numbers.

Rational Numbers - Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a quotient of
two integers.

The natural numbers, whole numbers, and integers are subsets of the rational numbers.
Note: A member of any of these sets can be expressed as a quotient of two integers.

Natural Numbers: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5...}

Whole Numbers: {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...}

Integers: {...–5, –4, –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...}

Also included in the rational numbers are fractions (where the numerator and
denominators are integers) and repeating and terminating decimals. Fractions may not
have 0 as the denominator.

Irrational Numbers – Irrational numbers are numbers that cannot be expressed as the
ratio of two integers. Examples of irrational numbers are (a) square roots of non-perfect
squares, (b) pi ( π ), and (c) decimals that do not develop into a repeating pattern.

(a) 94
(b) π ≈ 3.1415926535897932384626433832795...
(c) 9.6953597148326580281488811508453

real numbers = rational numbers + irrational numbers

Study the two sketches below to better understand the subsets of the real numbers.

The first sketch shows how each subset can be divided into further subsets. For example,
0 is a whole number, but is also an integer and a rational number because it is a member
of all those subsets. The only subset of the rational numbers that 0 is not a part of is the
natural numbers.

The second sketch shows the connection between the subsets using a Venn diagram.
Again, looking at zero, it is in all of the ovals of the rational numbers with the exception
of the natural numbers.
 Real Numbers

Rational Numbers Irrational Numbers

7, − 10, π , e

Integers Non-Integers
2 3 11
... − 2, − 1, 0, 1, 2... ,− ,−
3 4 6
0.27, 5.333...

Whole Opposite of
Numbers Whole
Numbers
0, 1, 2, 3, 4... −1, − 2, − 3, − 4...

0 Natural
Numbers
(Counting
Numbers)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

* The numbers listed in the subsets are just a few examples of the infinite
possibilities.
The next figure shows the connection between the subsets of real numbers using a Venn
diagram.

Real Numbers

Rationals

Integers
Whole
Irrationals
2 3 11
Natural -1,-2, -3, -4... ,− ,−
1, 2, 3, 4... 0 3 4 6 7 , − 10, π, e
0.27, 5.333...

*Notice that the irrationals

are in a league of their own.

The rational numbers are the types of numbers shown within the “rational circle”. The
“rational circle” includes all of the numbers within the circles inside the it. Some
⎛ −11 ⎞ ⎛ −4 ⎞ ⎛ 0⎞ ⎛ 4⎞
examples of rational numbers are ⎜ ⎟ , ⎜ −4 = ⎟ , ⎜ 0 = ⎟ , and ⎜ 4 = ⎟ .
⎝ 6 ⎠ ⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠

The integers are the types of numbers shown within the “integer circle”. The “integer
circle” includes all of the numbers within the circles inside it. Some examples of integers
are −4, 0, 4 .

The whole numbers are the types of numbers shown within the “whole number circle”.
The “whole number circle” includes all of the numbers within the circle inside it. Some
examples of whole numbers are 0 and 4 .

The natural numbers are the types of numbers shown within the “natural number
circle”. Some examples of whole numbers are 3 and 4 .

The irrational numbers are in a “league of their own”. Some examples of rational
numbers are 26 , − 43 , π , and e .

The real numbers are the types of numbers shown within all of the circles. The real
numbers are the union of the rational and the irrational numbers. Some examples of real
⎛ −11 ⎞ ⎛ −4 ⎞ ⎛ 0⎞ ⎛ 4⎞
numbers are ⎜ ⎟ , ⎜ −4 = ⎟ , ⎜ 0 = ⎟ , and ⎜ 4 = ⎟ ; and also 26 , − 43 , π , and e .
⎝ 6 ⎠ ⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠
Rational and Irrational Numbers

Calculators can help us understand the difference between rational and irrational numbers.

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as fractions, and when expressed as
decimals are either a repeating or terminal decimal. Irrational numbers are numbers that
have decimals that go on forever, but never develop a repeating pattern.

To express a fraction as a decimal, divide the numerator (top number) by the

denominator (bottom number).

Definition Type of Decimal Calculator Buttons

Repeating
Rational numbers are 5
numbers that can be expressed = 0.454545... 5 ÷ 1 1 =
11
as a fraction where both the
Terminating
numerator and the denominator
7 7 ÷
are integers (with the exception = 0.875 8 =
of 0 as a denominator*). 8

Not all calculators use the same

Do not repeat or terminate symbols, so the “pi” and “square root”
Irrational numbers are
buttons may look a little different.
numbers that cannot be First 12 digits of π ( pi ) =
expressed as a fraction where
both the numerator and the
3.14159265359 π
First 7 digits of
denominator are integers.
2 = 1.414213 2

* Note: Since division by zero is undefined, the denominator of a fraction cannot equal 0.

Using a calculator, we can explore irrational and rational numbers.

2
= 2 ÷ 3 = 0.6666666 – repeating decimal – rational
3

50 = square root ( ) of 50 = 7.0710678 – non-repeating decimal – irrational

4
= 4 ÷ 5 = 0.8 – terminating decimal – rational
5
64 = 8 or 8.0 – terminating decimal – rational
Comparing Real Numbers

Percents, fractions, and decimals may all be used to represent the same quantity. Let’s
take a look at how to apply this connection.

45%

9
0.45
20
9
45% = 0.45 =
20

Example 1: Rearrange the given numbers in order from least to greatest.

3
, 15 out of 16, 0.075, 79%
4

To solve, express each number as a decimal and then compare.

3
= 0.75
4

15 out of 16 = 15 ÷ 16 = 0.9375

0.075 No change

79% = 0.79

List the decimals and add enough zeros to compare.

0.7500
0.9375
0.0750
0.7900

Least to greatest as decimals: 0.0750, 0.7500, 0.7900, 0.9375

3
Least to greatest as original numbers: 0.075, , 79%, 15 out of 16
4
Now, let’s look at another example that includes negative numbers.

Example 2: List the numbers shown below in order from greatest to least:

2
19, 65%, − 4 , − 7.5 × 10−1
3

To make a comparison, change each number to a decimal and then line up the
decimal points.

19 = 4.3588989435...
65
65% = 0.65 (65% means )
100
2
−4 = −4.6666...
3
−7.5 × 10−1 = −0.75

1) There are two negative numbers. Negative numbers are smaller than
positive numbers.

2) –4.666… is further left on the number line than –0.75; thus, –4.666 is
smaller than –0.75.

−4.666... < − 0.75 or −0.75 > − 4.666...

3) For the two positive numbers, look at each whole number before the
decimal. You can see that 4 is greater than 0; therefore 4.35… is greater than
0.65.

4.35... > 0.65

4) Next, use the decimal numbers and line them up from greatest to least:

4.35, 0.65, − 0.75, − 4.666...

5) Now, refer back to the original numbers to state the final answer.

2
19, 0.65, − 7.5 ×10−1 , − 4
3
6) Look at the number line below to find the location of each number. As
you go right on the number line, the numbers get larger; and as you go left on
the number line, the numbers get smaller.

-4.666... –0.75 0.65 4.35...

65% 19

2
−4
3
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−7.5 × 10
Properties of Real Numbers

In the previous section you learned how to translate verbal phrases into algebraic
sentences. You were able to do this because of mathematical properties. In this section
you will study these properties that you will use in future units to solve equations.

Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication

The order in which numbers are added The order in which numbers are multiplied
does not make a difference in the sum. does not make a difference in the product.

6+4=4+6 6×4=4×6

For any numbers x and y, For any numbers x and y,

x+y=y+x xy = yx

Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication

The way in which numbers are grouped The way in which numbers are grouped
does not change the sum. does not change the product.

(2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4) (2 × 3) × 4 = 2 × (3 × 4)

For any numbers x, y, and z, For any numbers x, y, and z,

(x + y) + z = x + (y + z) (xy)z = x(yz)

Identity Properties of Addition and Multiplication

The sum of a number and zero is that The product of a number and one is the
number. number.
3+0=3 5 ⋅1 = 5
For any number n, n + 0 = n For any number n, n ⋅ 1 = n
 Multiplicative Property of Zero

The product of a number and zero is zero.

7 ⋅ 0=0
For any number n, n ⋅ 0 = 0

These properties will be helpful when you start solving equations later on in the course.
Right now you will be asked in the assignment to identify properties illustrated by
algebraic expressions, so let’s practice deciding which property is shown.

Examples:

1) 4 + (9 + 5) = (4 + 9) + 5 Associative Property of Addition

2) y + 14 = 14 + y Commutative Property of Addition

3) (9 + n) + 6 = 6 + (9 + n) Commutative Property of Addition

4) 5m ⋅ 0 = 0 Multiplicative Property of Zero

5) 0 + 17 = 17 Identity Property of Addition

6) 8xyz ⋅ 1 = 8xyz Identity Property of Multiplication

Order of Operations

In order to find the numerical value (evaluate) of any combination of numbers and
operations (expression) correctly, mathematicians have established the order of
operations which tells us which operations to do first in any mathematical problem.

P (parentheses) This “saying” may be used to help

remember the order of operations.
E (exponents – powers)

M (multiply)
work left to right Please
D (divide) Excuse
My Dear
A (add)
work left to right Aunt Sally
S (subtract)

*Note: Multiplication and division are at the same level, meaning multiplication does
NOT take priority over division. Work these two operations as they occur, left to right.
The same is true about addition and subtraction. Work the two operations as they occur,
left to right.

Thus, if “multiplication and division” or “addition and subtraction” are the only two
operations in the expression, work the problem from left to right!

Examples:

1) 6 × 4 + 2 1) Multiply 6 × 4

24 + 2 2) Add 24 + 2

26

2) 4(6 + 3) − 5 ⋅ 2 1) Parentheses (6 + 3)

4(9) − 5 ⋅ 2 2) Multiply 4(9)

36 − 5 ⋅ 2 3) Multiply 5 ⋅ 2

36 – 10 4) Subtract

26
 3) 5[(3 + 12) − 2(4)] 1) Work within [ ]
a. Multiply 2 ⋅ 4

5[(3 + 12) − 8] b. Add 3 + 12

5[15 − 8] c. Subtract 15 – 8

5[7] 2) Multiply 5[7]

35

4) 4[3(3 + 2) 2 ] 1) Work within [ ]

a. Parenthesis (3 + 2)

4[3(5) 2 ] b. Powers (5) 2

4[3 ⋅ 25] c. Multiply 3 ⋅ 25

4 [ 75] 2) Multiply 4[75]

300

5) 4 ⋅ 5 − 18 ÷ 6 + 2 ⋅ 3 1) Multiply and divide left to right

20 − 3 + 6 2) Add and subtract left to right

17 + 6 3) Add

23

You will continue to use the order of operations throughout the remainder of this unit
and throughout any other mathematics courses you continue to take.
Introduction to Variables and Expressions

Most countries in the world use the Celsius scale to measure temperature. Two
critical temperatures on the Celsius scale are 0° freezing and 100° boiling. On the
other hand, in the United States we use the Fahrenheit scale most of the time. The
same two critical temperatures on the Fahrenheit scale measure 32° freezing and
212° boiling. It is possible to convert between temperature scales by using algebra.
9
If the Celsius temperature is multiplied by and then added to 32, the Fahrenheit
5
temperature can be determined.

Algebra can be thought of as a language of symbols. For example, we already know the
symbols for addition (+) and multiplication (× or ⋅ ) so we could write the temperature
relationship from above as follows:

9
⋅ Celsius + 32
5

In arithmetic we could write the same expression as:

9
⋅ + 32
5

where represents the Celsius temperature and is serving as a place holder.

In algebra when a problem has missing or “unknown” information, the place holders used
are called variables. Variables are letters such as x, n, or a that are used to represent the
unknown value. (You may use any letter as a variable; these were just a few examples.)

*When choosing a variable to represent an unknown value, make sure not to use the
letter “o” because it could be mistaken for the number zero.
Let’s take a look at how to represent an expression using algebra and a variable.

9
⋅ Celsius + 32 Words and symbols
5

9
⋅ + 32 Arithmetic
5

9
C + 32 Algebra (variable)
5

9
⋅ C + 32 is called an algebraic expression because it contains a combination of
5
variables, numbers and at least one operation.

Algebraic expressions can be evaluated by replacing the variable with numbers.

For example, if given the expression a + b – 24 and asked to evaluate it for the given
values a = 19 and b = 20, you would:

a) replace a and b with the given values

b) evaluate the expression using the order of operations

Let’s try the example above. You will be given this type of problem in the following
form.

Example 1: Evaluate a + b – 24 if a = 19 and b = 20.

a + b – 24

19 + 20 – 24 1) replace a and b with the given values

39 – 24 2) evaluate using the order of operations

15
 Example 2: Evaluate 5a + bc – c if a = 4, b = 2, and c = 3.

5a + bc – c

5(4) + (2)(3) – 3 1) replace a, b, and c with the given values

20 + (2)(3) – 3 2) multiply 5(4)

20 + 6 – 3 3) multiply 2(3)

26 – 3 4) add 20 + 6

23 5) subtract 26 – 3

As you become more familiar with evaluating expressions, you will be able to perform
more than one operation per step. For example, in the example above it would have been
okay in step 2 to also multiply 2 and 3. Again you will be able to do this after more
practice.

Throughout this course and any of the more advanced mathematics courses you will take,
it will be necessary to interpret verbal sentences into algebraic sentences. For this you
will need to know the words and phrases that suggest the operation to use.

The chart below lists some of the most common phrases that will be used.

Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

sum difference product quotient

plus minus times divided by
increased by decreased by of ratio
more than less than twice (× 2) per
total subtract multiplied by average
To translate verbal phrases into algebraic expressions:

a.) chose a variable to represent the unknown (if it is not given)

b.) determine what operation will be used based on the phrase
c.) write the algebraic expression

Example 3: “eight more points than Rachel’s score”

a.) Let r represent Rachel’s score

b.) “More than” suggests addition

c.) The algebraic expression is r + 8 or 8 + r

Example 4: “four times as much money as Pete”

a.) Let p represent Pete’s money

b.) “Times” suggests multiplication

c.) The algebraic expression is p × 4, 4 × p, or more commonly seen in

algebra as 4p.

*At this point it should be noted that anytime a variable or variables are multiplied with a
number, it will be written with the number first and then the variable or variables
following. Study the examples given below.

6x means 6 times x OR x times 6.

7y means 7 times y OR y times 7.

3xyz means 3 times x times y times z in any order.

Solving One-Step Equations

A mathematical sentence such as 374 + x = 795 is called an equation because it contains

an equal sign.

The solution to an equation is the value of the variable that results in a true statement.
The process of finding this solution is called solving the equation which uses opposite
operations in order to isolate the variable. When we say opposite operations, we mean the
opposite of adding is subtracting, the opposite of multiplying is dividing, and visa versa.

At this point it should be mentioned that an equation must be balanced. This means that
whatever is done on one side of the equation must also be done on the other side of the
equal sign.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of solving equations.

Example 1: Solve x + 4 = 17

-Since we want x by itself, we have to perform the opposite of + 4 on both

sides of the equal sign, opposite of + 4 is – 4.

-Performing opposite operations can be done different ways; below you will
see that this can be done vertically or horizontally; you make the choice.

x + 4 = 17
–4 –4 or x + 4 – 4 = 17 – 4
x + 0 = 13 x + 0 = 13
x = 13 x = 13

-check the solution by replacing x in the equation with the solution 13.

Check: 13 + 4 = 17
17 = 17

Since this is true, 13 is the correct solution.

 n
Example 2: Solve =7
4

-The opposite of dividing by 4 is multiplying by 4, multiply both sides by 4.

⎛n⎞
4 ⎜ ⎟ = (7)4
⎝4⎠

4n
= 28 Cancel the 4’s to isolate the variable.
4
n = 28

28
Check: =7
4
7=7

Since this is true, 28 is the correct solution.

Example 3: Solve y – 26 = 38

-The opposite of –26 is + 26, add 26 to both sides of the equation.

y – 26 = 38
+26 +26
y = 64

Check: 64 – 26 = 38
38 = 38

Example 4: Solve 5n = 75

-The opposite of multiplying by 5 is dividing by 5.

5n 75
=
5 5

n = 15

Check: 5(15) = 75
75 = 75
Solving Equations with Rational Numbers

When solving equations involving rational numbers, you will use the same principle of
opposite operations as you did when solving equations with integers. One exception is
that when you divide by a rational fraction, you need to remember that means to multiply
by the reciprocal.

Let’s try a few examples:

5 7
Example 1: x − =
6 8

5
Step 1: Add to both sides
6

5 5 7 5
x− + = +
6 6 8 6

Step 2: Determine the common denominator (24)

21 20
x= +
24 24

Step 3: Add the rational numbers

41 17
x= or 1
24 24
 5 −2
Example 2: = x
6 3

−2 −3
Step 1: Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of which is .
3 2

−3 ⎛ 5 ⎞ ⎛ −2 ⎞ −3
⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ x⎟
2 ⎝6⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ 2

Step 2: Simplify.

1 −3 ⎛ 5 ⎞ ⎛ −2 ⎞ −3
⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ x⎟
2 ⎝6⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ 2
2

Step 3: Multiply.

−1⋅ 5
=x
2⋅2

−5 1
x= or x = −1
4 4