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Let 
a be a rational number and 
b be an irrational number. Is 
a-b rational or irrational?
Choose 1 answer:
(A) Rational
(B) Irrational
(C) It can be either rational or irrational

Let a a be a rational number and b b be an irrational number. Is ab a-b rational or irrational?\newline Choose 11 answer:\newline(A) Rational\newline(B) Irrational\newline(C) It can be either rational or irrational

Full solution

Q. Let a a be a rational number and b b be an irrational number. Is ab a-b rational or irrational?\newline Choose 11 answer:\newline(A) Rational\newline(B) Irrational\newline(C) It can be either rational or irrational
  1. Definition of Rational and Irrational Numbers: Let's consider what a rational and an irrational number are. A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction pq\frac{p}{q} of two integers, with the denominator qq not equal to zero. An irrational number is a number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction - it's decimal goes on forever without repeating.
  2. Representation of Rational Numbers: Knowing that aa is a rational number, we can write it as a=pqa = \frac{p}{q}, where pp and qq are integers and qq is not zero.
  3. Examples of Irrational Numbers: Since bb is an irrational number, it cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers. Examples of irrational numbers include 2\sqrt{2}, π\pi, and ee.
  4. Result of Subtracting an Irrational Number from a Rational Number: When we subtract an irrational number from a rational number (ab)(a - b), the result cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers because the irrational part 'bb' will still have a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal component that cannot be captured by a simple fraction.
  5. Conclusion: Rational Minus Irrational Equals Irrational: Therefore, the difference of a rational number and an irrational number is itself an irrational number. This is because the non-repeating, non-terminating decimal part of the irrational number 'bb' cannot be cancelled out or simplified by subtracting a rational number 'aa'.

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