1.

Introduction to Rational Numbers

 Definition: Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as the quotient or
fraction p/q where p and q are integers but q ≠ 0.
 Examples: 12, -34, 56/13, -93/21, 100/3, -7, 101, 0.

 Non-Examples: √ 2, π (pi),𝓮, φ (golden ratio)

 Visual Elements:

 Venn Diagram: Show the relationship between rational numbers and other number
sets, including integers, whole numbers, and irrational numbers. (Wikipedia)
 Illustrations:
o Proper Fractions {Definition and eg}
o Improper Fractions {Definition and eg}
o Mixed Fractions {Definition and eg}
 Highlighting Differences:
o Rational Numbers:
o Irrational Numbers

Additional Content:

 Decimal Representation: Explain that rational numbers can be represented as

terminating or repeating decimals. (pg. 1.4, 1.5)
 Graphical Representation: Show how rational numbers can be plotted on a number
line, distinguishing between positive and negative fractions (pg. 1.12)

2. Properties of Rational Numbers (5 marks)

Write a short essay discussing the properties of rational numbers (closure, commutativity,
associativity, distributivity, identity, and inverse). Provide examples to illustrate each
property.

Essay Outline:

Introduction

Rational Numbers have various properties that help us to carry out operations and functions
on them. These properties mainly are:

Closure

 Definition: Rational numbers are closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication,

and division (except by zero). This means performing these operations on any
rational numbers results in another rational number.
 Example:
o Addition
o Subtraction
o Multiplication
 o Division:

Commutativity

 Definition: Rational numbers can be added or multiplied in any order without

changing the result. This property does not apply to subtraction or division.
 Example:
o Addition:
o Multiplication:

Associativity

 Definition: The grouping of rational numbers does not affect their sum or product.
This property allows for flexible computation without changing the result.
 Example:
o Addition
o Multiplication:

Distributivity

 Definition: Distributive property connects addition and multiplication, allowing a sum

to be multiplied by distributing the multiplication over each addend.
 Example

Identity

 Definition: Identity elements are numbers that, when used in an operation with
another number, leave the other number unchanged. For addition, the identity is 0;
for multiplication, it is 1.
 Example:
o Addition
o Multiplication

Inverse

 Definition: When a number is multiplied or added with its respective inverse, it yields
the multiplicative or additive identity as a result, respectively.
 Example:
o Additive inverse
o Multiplicative inverse

Additional Content:

 Historical Context: Briefly discuss the history of rational numbers and their
development in mathematics. ( https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-
technology/mathematics/mathematics/rational-number )
 Visual Aids: Include diagrams and tables to illustrate the properties, such as a table
showing different operations and their results. (pg. 1.13)
3. Real-Life Applications of Rational Numbers (5 marks)
Identify and explain at least three real-life scenarios where rational numbers are used. These
can be from areas like finance (fractions in currency), measurement (lengths, weights), or
any other relevant fields. Create a creative representation.

Examples:

Finance

 Explanation: Rational numbers are used in currency transactions. Prices, discounts,

and interest rates often involve fractions and decimals, making them practical
examples of rational numbers in use.
 Creative Representation:
o Currency Conversion Chart: Show conversions between different
currencies using rational numbers.
o Interest Rate Calculation: Rational numbers play a big role in interest rate
calculation

Cooking

 Explanation: Recipes require precise measurements, often in fractions. Ingredients

are measured in parts of cups, teaspoons, or grams, demonstrating the use of
rational numbers.
 Creative Representation:
o Recipe Card: Display a recipe with ingredients listed in fractional
measurements.
o Measurement Tools: Illustrate measuring cups and spoons marked with
fractional quantities.
o Piece of a Cake: Give examples of how parts of a whole cake can be
represented as rational numbers.

Measurement

 Explanation: Lengths and weights are frequently expressed in fractions. This is

common in tailoring, construction, and scientific measurements.

 Creative Representation:
o Ruler Diagram: Show a ruler with fractional markings, demonstrating how
different lengths are measured.
o Scale Illustration: Depict a scale measuring weights in fractions, such as
ounces and pounds.

Sports Statistics

 Explanation: Player statistics in sports often use rational numbers. Batting averages
in cricket, shooting percentages in football are all expressed as fractions or decimals.
 Creative Representation:
o Statistical Chart: Create a chart showing different players' statistics using
rational numbers.
o Comparison Graph: Display a bar graph comparing player performance.