Class 08 Activity – Rational numbers

 Activity – Rational numbers

Objective: 

To show that every rational number 𝑝/𝑞 can be represented on the number line.

Materials Required: 

A drawing sheet, a compass, a scale, a pencil, an eraser, etc.

Let us represent the rational number 17/7 on the number line.

Procedure: 

Draw a number line on the drawing sheet with the help of a scale.

Represent the integer 17 on it.

 Let the point P represent 17. 

1. Divide the segment OP into 7 equal parts.

2. Let us name the first point on the right of O as A. OA represents one-seventh of 17 or 17/7 units. 

Thus, A represents the rational number 7. on the number line.

II. Now let us represent the rational number (−9)/4 on the number line.

Draw a number line.  Represent - 9. (on the left of 0) on the number line. Let the point Q represent the integer -9.  Now divide the segment OQ into four equal parts.

2. Let us name the first point on the left of O as B. 

OB represents one-fourth of OQ, i.e., 1/4of-9 or (−9)/4units.

Thus, the point B represents the rational number (−9)/4  on the number line.

 Similarly, other rational number can be represented on the number line. 

Thus, every rational number can be represented on the number line,  as a line segment can be divided into any number of equal parts.