Description: Rational numbers are those that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. This means that any number that can be represented in the form a/b, where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are integers and b ≠ 0, is considered a rational number. Rational numbers include both integers and fractions, making them a dense set on the number line. This implies that between any two rational numbers, there is always another rational number. Rational numbers are fundamental in mathematics and are used in various areas, from basic arithmetic to mathematical analysis. Their decimal representation can be finite or periodic, distinguishing them from irrational numbers, which have a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansion. Understanding rational numbers is essential for developing more advanced mathematical skills, as they form the basis for concepts such as ratios, percentages, and fractions. Additionally, rational numbers are used in various mathematical and programming contexts, where operations with numerical calculations require precision and accuracy in results.
