Question

classify the numbers as rational or irrational.
-7 9 -7.9
rational irrational
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not feeling ready yet? these can help:
simplify radical expressions
lesson: rational numbers
lesson: irrational numbers

Explanation:

Step1: Recall rational number definition

A rational number is a number that can be expressed as $\frac{p}{q}$, where $p$ and $q$ are integers and $q
eq0$. Integers, terminating decimals, repeating decimals are rational.

Step2: Classify -7

-7 is an integer. Integers are rational because $-7=\frac{-7}{1}$, so -7 is rational.

Step3: Classify 9

9 is an integer. $9 = \frac{9}{1}$, so 9 is rational.

Step4: Classify -7.9

-7.9 is a terminating decimal. A terminating decimal can be written as a fraction (e.g., $-7.9=-\frac{79}{10}$), so -7.9 is rational.

Step5: Check for irrational

Irrational numbers cannot be expressed as $\frac{p}{q}$ (non - repeating, non - terminating decimals or roots of non - perfect squares/cubes etc.). Here, -7, 9, -7.9 are all rational, so irrational box is empty.

Answer:

rational: -7, 9, -7.9
irrational: (empty)