Introduction to Classes of Real Numbers

A patchwork quilt combines many colorful pieces of fabric into an interesting pattern.

Quiltmakers know that by rearranging the same basic blocks the resulting quilts can look very different. What happens when we rearrange the numbers in an expression? Does the resulting value change? We will answer these questions in this chapter as we will learn about the properties of numbers. A quilt is formed by sewing many different pieces of fabric together. The pieces can vary in color, size, and shape. The combinations of different kinds of pieces provide for an endless possibility of patterns. Much like the pieces of fabric, mathematicians distinguish among different types of numbers. The kinds of numbers in an expression provide for an endless possibility of outcomes. We have already described counting numbers, whole numbers, and integers. In this chapter, we will learn about other types of numbers and their properties.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Identify rational numbers and irrational numbers
Classify different types of real numbers

Before you get started in this module, try a few practice problems and review prior concepts.

readiness quiz

Write [latex]3.19[/latex] as an improper fraction.If you missed this problem, review [link].
Write [latex]\frac{5}{11}[/latex] as a decimal.If you missed this problem, review [link].
Simplify: [latex]\sqrt{144}[/latex].If you missed this problem, review [link].

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Shared previously

Patchwork quilt. Authored by: Hans. License: Public Domain: No Known Copyright.

CC licensed content, Specific attribution

Prealgebra. Provided by: OpenStax License: CC BY: Attribution. License terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected].

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