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
Q. 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
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 fractionqp of two integers, with the denominator q 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.
Representation of Rational Numbers: Knowing that a is a rational number, we can write it as a=qp, where p and q are integers and q is not zero.
Examples of Irrational Numbers: Since b is an irrational number, it cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers. Examples of irrational numbers include 2, π, and e.
Result of Subtracting an Irrational Number from a Rational Number: When we subtract an irrational number from a rational number (a−b), the result cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers because the irrational part 'b' will still have a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal component that cannot be captured by a simple fraction.
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 'b' cannot be cancelled out or simplified by subtracting a rational number 'a'.
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