Problem 119 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Give an example of a real number that is not an irrational number. (Section \(1.3,\) Example 5 ).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

An example of a real number that is not an irrational number is 2.

Step 1: Understanding the Terms

First it is important to understand that real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers. Rational numbers can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, while irrational numbers cannot.

Step 2: Differentiating Between Rational and Irrational Numbers

An irrational number cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, and its decimal goes on forever without repeating. Conversely, a rational number can be expressed as a fraction, and it either terminates (ends) or repeats.

Step 3: Giving an Example

Knowing the difference between rational and irrational numbers mentioned in the previous steps, we can provide an example of a real number which is not irrational, therefore it has to be a rational number. A possible number could be \(2\), since it can be expressed as a fraction: \(2 = \frac{2}{1}\).