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A Rational Number is any number that can be written as a fraction — one number over another. Even if it looks like a decimal, if it can be written as a fraction, it’s rational!
Examples of rational numbers:
• 1/2
• 4 (which is the same as 4/1!)
• 0.75 (same as 3/4)
• –2/3
• 5.0 (equal to 5/1)
If the decimal stops or repeats, it’s rational.
If you can write it as a ratio (one number divided by another), it's rational!
Numbers like π or √2 — they can’t be written as a clean fraction, so they’re called irrational.
“Rational Roundup!”
1️⃣ Write a mix of numbers on flashcards: 0.5, 3, π, 1/3, 0.333…, √2
2️⃣ Ask your partner to pick out all the rational ones
3️⃣ Turn decimals into fractions and explain why they are (or aren’t) rational!
Rational numbers show up everywhere — in money, measuring, and dividing things up. Learning them helps you with fractions, decimals, and real-world math!
Think you're a number ninja? Try our Missing Numbers Quiz! 🎯