3.4: Rational Numbers
- Define and identify numbers that are rational.
- Simplify rational numbers and express in lowest terms.
- Add and subtract rational numbers.
- Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
- Convert rational numbers between decimal and fraction form.
- Multiply and divide rational numbers.
- Apply the order of operations to rational numbers to simplify expressions.
- Apply density property of rational numbers.
- Solve problems involving rational numbers.
- Use fractions to convert between units.
- Define and apply percent.
- Solve problems using percent.
We are often presented with percentages or fractions to explain how much of a population has a certain feature. For example, the 6-year graduation rate of college students at public institutions is 57.6%, or 72/125. That fraction may be unsettling. But without the context, the percentage is hard to judge. So how does that compare to private institutions? There, the 6-year graduation rate is 65.4%, or 327/500. Comparing the percentages is straightforward, but the fractions are harder to interpret due to different denominators. For more context, historical data could be found. One study reported that the 6-year graduation rate in 1995 was 56.4%. Comparing that historical number to the recent 6-year graduation rate at public institutions of 57.6% shows that there hasn't been much change in that rate.
Defining and Identifying Numbers That Are Rational
A rational number (called rational since it is a ratio) is just a fraction where the numerator is an integer and the denominator is a non-zero integer. As simple as that is, they can be represented in many ways. It should be noted here that any integer is a rational number. An integer, \(n\), written as a fraction of two integers is \(\frac{n}{1}\). In its most basic representation, a rational number is an integer divided by a non-zero integer, such as \(\frac{3}{12}\)
Another representation of rational numbers is as a mixed number, such as \(2 \frac{5}{8}\).
Rational numbers may also be expressed in decimal form; for instance, as 1.34. When 1.34 is written, the decimal part, 0.34, represents the fraction \(\frac{34}{100}\), and the number 1.34 is equal to \(1 \frac{34}{100}\). However, not all decimal representations are rational numbers.
A number written in decimal form where there is a last decimal digit (after a given decimal digit, all following decimal digits are 0) is a terminating decimal , as in 1.34 above. Alternately, any decimal numeral that, after a finite number of decimal digits, has digits equal to 0 for all digits following the last non-zero digit.
All numbers that can be expressed as a terminating decimal are rational. This comes from what the decimal represents. The decimal part is the fraction of the decimal part divided by the appropriate power of 10. That power of 10 is the number of decimal digits present, as for 0.34, with two decimal digits, being equal to .
Another form that is a rational number is a decimal that repeats a pattern, such as 67.1313… When a rational number is expressed in decimal form and the decimal is a repeated pattern, we use special notation to designate the part that repeats. For example, if we have the repeating decimal 4.3636…, we write this as . The bar over the 36 indicates that the 36 repeats forever.
If the decimal representation of a number does not terminate or form a repeating decimal, that number is not a rational number.
One class of numbers that is not rational is the square roots of integers or rational numbers that are not perfect squares , such as and . More generally, the number is the square root of the number if . The notation for this is , where the symbol is the square root sign. An integer perfect square is any integer that can be written as the square of another integer. A rational perfect square is any rational number that can be written as a fraction of two integers that are perfect squares.
Sometimes you may be able to identify a perfect square from memory. Another process that may be used is to factor the number into the product of an integer with itself. Or a calculator (such as Desmos) may be used to find the square root of the number. If the calculator yields an integer, the original number was a perfect square.
When Desmos is used, there is a tab at the bottom of the screen that opens the keyboard for Desmos. The keyboard is shown below. On the keyboard (Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)) is the square root symbol . To find the square root of a number, click the square root key, and then type the number. Desmos will automatically display the value of the square root as you enter the number.
Which of the following are perfect squares?
- 45
- 144
- Answer
-
- We could attempt to find the perfect square by factoring. Writing all the factor pairs of 45 results in , and . None of the pairs is a square, so 45 is not a perfect square. Using a calculator to find the square root of 45, we obtain 6.708 (rounded to three decimal places). Since this was not an integer, the original number was not a perfect square.
- We could attempt to find the perfect square by factoring. Writing all the factor pairs of 144 results in , and . Since the last pair is an integer multiplied by itself, 144 is a perfect square. Alternately, using Desmos to find the square root of 144, we obtain 12. Since the square root of 144 is an integer, 144 is a perfect square.
Determine if the following are perfect squares:
- 45
- 144
Introduction to Fractions
Determine which of the following are rational numbers:
- Answer
-
- Since 73 is not a perfect square, its square root is not a rational number. This can also be seen when a calculator is used. Entering into a calculator results in 8.544003745317 (and then more decimal values after that). There is no repeated pattern, so this is not a rational number.
- Since 4.556 is a decimal that terminates, this is a rational number.
- is a mixed number, so it is a rational number.
- is an integer divided by an integer, so it is a rational number.
- is a decimal that repeats a pattern, so it is a rational number.
Determine which of the following are rational numbers:
\(\sqrt{13}\)
\(-13 . \overline{2} \overline{1}\)
\(\frac{-48}{-16}\)
\(-4 \frac{18}{19}\)
14.1131
Simplifying Rational Numbers and Expressing in Lowest Terms
A rational number is one way to express the division of two integers. As such, there may be multiple ways to express the same value with different rational numbers. For instance, and are the same value. If we enter them into a calculator, they both equal 0.8. Another way to understand this is to consider what it looks like in a figure when two fractions are equal.
In Figure 3.25, we see that of the rectangle and of the rectangle are equal areas.
They are the same proportion of the area of the rectangle. The left rectangle has 5 pieces, three of which are shaded. The right rectangle has 15 pieces, 9 of which are shaded. Each of the pieces of the left rectangle was divided equally into three pieces. This was a multiplication. The numerator describing the left rectangle was 3 but it becomes , or 9, as each piece was divided into three. Similarly, the denominator describing the left rectangle was 5, but became , or 15, as each piece was divided into 3. The fractions and are equivalent because they represent the same portion (often loosely referred to as equal).
This understanding of equivalent fractions is very useful for conceptualization, but it isn’t practical, in general, for determining when two fractions are equivalent. Generally, to determine if the two fractions and are equivalent, we check to see that . If those two products are equal, then the fractions are equal also.
Determine if and are equivalent fractions.
- Answer
-
Applying the definition, and . So . Also, . Since these values are equal, the fractions are equivalent.
Determine if \(\frac{8}{14}\) and \(\frac{12}{26}\) are equivalent fractions.
That indicates the fractions and are equivalent is due to some algebra. One property of natural numbers, integers, and rational numbers (also irrational numbers) is that for any three numbers and with , if , then . In other words, when two numbers are equal, then dividing both numbers by the same non-zero number, the two newly obtained numbers are also equal. We can apply that to and , to show that and are equivalent if .
If , and , we can divide both sides by and obtain the following: . We can divide out the on the right-hand side of the equation, resulting in . Similarly, we can divide both sides of the equation by and obtain the following: . We can divide out the on the left-hand side of the equation, resulting in . So, the rational numbers and are equivalent when .
Equivalent Fractions
Recall that a common divisor or common factor of a set of integers is one that divides all the numbers of the set of numbers being considered. In a fraction, when the numerator and denominator have a common divisor, that common divisor can be divided out . This is often called canceling the common factors or, more colloquially, as canceling .
To show this, consider the fraction . The numerator and denominator have the common factor 3. We can rewrite the fraction as . The common divisor 3 is then divided out, or canceled, and we can write the fraction as . The 3s have been crossed out to indicate they have been divided out. The process of dividing out two factors is also referred to as reducing the fraction .
If the numerator and denominator have no common positive divisors other than 1, then the rational number is in lowest terms .
The process of dividing out common divisors of the numerator and denominator of a fraction is called reducing the fraction .
One way to reduce a fraction to lowest terms is to determine the GCD of the numerator and denominator and divide out the GCD. Another way is to divide out common divisors until the numerator and denominator have no more common factors.
Express the following rational numbers in lowest terms:
- Answer
-
-
One process to reduce
to lowest terms is to identify the GCD of 36 and 48 and divide out the GCD. The GCD of 36 and 48 is 12.
Step 1: We can then rewrite the numerator and denominator by factoring 12 from both.
Step 2: We can now divide out the 12s from the numerator and denominator.
So, when is reduced to lowest terms, the result is .
Alternately, you could identify a common factor, divide out that common factor, and repeat the process until the remaining fraction is in lowest terms.
Step 1: You may notice that 4 is a common factor of 36 and 48.
Step 2: Divide out the 4, as in .
Step 3: Examining the 9 and 12, you identify 3 as a common factor and divide out the 3, as in . The 3 and 4 have no common positive factors other than 1, so it is in lowest terms.
So, when is reduced to lowest terms, the result is .
-
Step 1:
To reduce
to lowest terms, identify the GCD of 100 and 250. This GCD is 50.
Step 2: We can then rewrite the numerator and denominator by factoring 50 from both.
.
Step 3: We can now divide out the 50s from the numerator and denominator.
So, when is reduced to lowest terms, the result is .
-
Step 1:
To reduce
to lowest terms, identify the GCD of 51 and 136. This GCD is 17.
Step 2: We can then rewrite the numerator and denominator by factoring 17 from both.
Step 3: We can now divide out the 17s from the numerator and denominator.
So, when is reduced to lowest terms, the result is .
-
One process to reduce
to lowest terms is to identify the GCD of 36 and 48 and divide out the GCD. The GCD of 36 and 48 is 12.
Express \(\frac{252}{840}\) in lowest terms.
Reducing Fractions to Lowest Terms
Desmos is a free online calculator . Desmos supports reducing fractions to lowest terms. When a fraction is entered, Desmos immediately calculates the decimal representation of the fraction. However, to the left of the fraction, there is a button that, when clicked, shows the fraction in reduced form.
Using Desmos to Reduce a Fraction
Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers
Adding or subtracting rational numbers can be done with a calculator, which often returns a decimal representation, or by finding a common denominator for the rational numbers being added or subtracted.
To create a fraction in Desmos, enter the numerator, then use the division key (/) on your keyboard, and then enter the denominator. The fraction is then entered. Then click the right arrow key to exit the denominator of the fraction. Next, enter the arithmetic operation (+ or –). Then enter the next fraction. The answer is displayed dynamically (calculates as you enter). To change the Desmos result from decimal form to fractional form, use the fraction button (Figure 3.26) on the left of the line that contains the calculation:
Calculate using Desmos.
- Answer
-
Enter in Desmos. The result is displayed as (which is ). Clicking the fraction button to the left on the calculation line yields .
Calculate \(\frac{124}{297}+\frac{3}{125}\).
Performing addition and subtraction without a calculator may be more involved. When the two rational numbers have a common denominator, then adding or subtracting the two numbers is straightforward. Add or subtract the numerators, and then place that value in the numerator and the common denominator in the denominator. Symbolically, we write this as
It is customary to then write the result in lowest terms.
If
Calculate
- Answer
-
Since the rational numbers have the same denominator, we perform the addition of the numerators,
, and then place the result in the numerator and the common denominator, 28, in the denominator.13 + 7 13 + 7 13 28 + 7 28 = 13 + 7 28 = 20 28 13 28 + 7 28 = 13 + 7 28 = 20 28 Once we have that result, reduce to lowest terms, which gives
.20 28 = 4 × 5 4 × 7 = 4 × 5 4 × 7 = 5 7 20 28 = 4 × 5 4 × 7 = 4 × 5 4 × 7 = 5 7
Calculate \(\frac{38}{73}+\frac{7}{73}\).
Calculate
- Answer
-
Since the rational numbers have the same denominator, we perform the subtraction of the numerators,
, and then place the result in the numerator and the common denominator, 136, in the denominator.45 − 17 45 − 17 45 136 − 17 136 − 45 − 17 136 = 28 136 45 136 − 17 136 − 45 − 17 136 = 28 136 Once we have that result, reduce to lowest terms, this gives
.28 136 = 4 × 7 4 × 34 = 4 × 7 4 × 34 = 7 34 28 136 = 4 × 7 4 × 34 = 4 × 7 4 × 34 = 7 34
1. Calculate \(\frac{21}{40}-\frac{8}{40}\).
When the rational numbers do not have common denominators, then we have to transform the rational numbers so that they do have common denominators. The common denominator that reduces work later in the problem is the LCM of the numerator and denominator. When adding or subtracting the rational numbers
Step 1:
Find
Step 2:
Calculate
Step 3:
Multiply the numerator and denominator of
Step 4:
Multiply the numerator and denominator of
Step 5: Add or subtract the rational numbers from Steps 3 and 4, since they now have the common denominators.
You should be aware that the common denominator is
Calculate
- Answer
-
The denominators of the fractions are 18 and 15, so we label
andb = 18 b = 18 .d = 15 d = 15 Step 1: Find LCM(18,15). This is 90.
Step 2 : Calculate
andn n .m m andn = 90 18 = 5 n = 90 18 = 5 .m = 90 15 = 6 m = 90 15 = 6 Step 3: Multiplying the numerator and denominator of
by11 18 11 18 yieldsn = 5 n = 5 .11 × 5 18 × 5 = 55 90 11 × 5 18 × 5 = 55 90 Step 4: Multiply the numerator and denominator of
by2 15 2 15 yieldsm = 6 m = 6 .2 × 6 15 × 6 = 12 90 2 × 6 15 × 6 = 12 90 Step 5: Now we add the values from Steps 3 and 4:
.55 90 + 12 90 = 67 90 55 90 + 12 90 = 67 90 This is in lowest terms, so we have found that
.11 18 + 2 15 = 67 90 11 18 + 2 15 = 67 90
Calculate \(\frac{4}{9}+\frac{7}{12}\).
Calculate
- Answer
-
The denominators of the fractions are 25 and 70, so we label
andb = 25 b = 25 .d = 70 d = 70 Step 1: Find LCM(25,70). This is 350.
Step 2: Calculate
andn n :m m andn = 350 25 = 14 n = 350 25 = 14 .m = 350 70 = 5 m = 350 70 = 5 Step 3: Multiplying the numerator and denominator of
by14 25 14 25 yieldsn = 14 n = 14 .14 × 14 25 × 14 = 196 350 14 × 14 25 × 14 = 196 350 Step 4: Multiplying the numerator and denominator of
by9 70 9 70 yieldsm = 5 m = 5 .9 × 5 70 × 5 = 45 350 9 × 5 70 × 5 = 45 350 Step 5: Now we subtract the value from Step 4 from the value in Step 3:
.196 350 − 45 350 = 151 350 196 350 − 45 350 = 151 350 This is in lowest terms, so we have found that
.14 25 − 9 70 = 151 350 14 25 − 9 70 = 151 350
Calculate \(\frac{10}{99}-\frac{17}{300}\).
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators
Converting Between Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
One way to visualize a fraction is as parts of a whole, as in
Improper fractions can be rewritten as mixed numbers using division and remainders. To find the mixed number representation of an improper fraction, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the integer part, and the remainder becomes the numerator of the remaining fraction.
Rewrite
- Answer
-
When 48 is divided by 13, the result is 3 with a remainder of 9. So, we can rewrite
as48 13 48 13 .3 9 13 3 9 13
Rewrite \(\frac{95}{26}\) as a mixed number.
Converting an Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number Using Desmos
Similarly, we can convert a mixed number into an improper fraction. To do so, first convert the whole number part to a fraction by writing the whole number as itself divided by 1, and then add the two fractions.
Alternately, we can multiply the whole number part and the denominator of the fractional part. Next, add that product to the numerator. Finally, express the number as that product divided by the denominator.
Rewrite
- Answer
-
Step 1: Multiply the integer part, 5, by the denominator, 9, which gives
.5 × 9 = 45 5 × 9 = 45 Step 2: Add that product to the numerator, which gives
.45 + 4 = 49 45 + 4 = 49 Step 3: Write the number as the sum, 49, divided by the denominator, 9, which gives
.49 9 49 9
Rewrite \(9 \frac{5}{14}\) as an improper fraction.
Desmos can be used to convert from a mixed number to an improper fraction. To do so, we use the idea that a mixed number, such as
Converting Rational Numbers Between Decimal and Fraction Forms
Understanding what decimals represent is needed before addressing conversions between the fractional form of a number and its
decimal form
, or writing a number in
decimal notation
. The decimal number 4.557 is equal to
Decimal representations may be very long. It is convenient to
round off
the decimal form of the number to a certain number of decimal digits. To round off the decimal form of a number to
Round 5.67849 to three decimal digits.
- Answer
-
The third decimal digit is 8. The digit following the 8 is 4. When the digit is 4, we write the number only to the third digit. So, 5.67849 rounded off to three decimal places is 5.678.
Round 5.1082 to three decimal places.
Rounding Off a Number in Decimal Form to Four Digits
Round 45.11475 to four decimal digits.
- Answer
-
The fourth decimal digit is 7. The digit following the 7 is 5. When the digit is 5, we write the number only to the fourth decimal digit, 45.1147. We then replace the fourth decimal digit by one more than the fourth digit, which yields 45.1148. So, 45.11475 rounded off to four decimal places is 45.1148.
Round 18.6298 to two decimal places.
To convert a rational number in fraction form to decimal form, use your calculator to perform the division.
Convert
- Answer
-
Using a calculator to divide 47 by 25, the result is 1.88.
Convert \(\frac{48}{30}\) into decimal form.
Converting a terminating decimal to the fractional form may be done in the following way:
Step 1:
Count the number of digits in the decimal part of the number, labeled
Step 2:
Raise 10 to the
Step 3: Rewrite the number without the decimal.
Step 4: The fractional form is the number from Step 3 divided by the result from Step 2.
This process works due to what decimals represent and how we work with mixed numbers. For example, we could convert the number 7.4536 to fractional from. The decimal part of the number, the .4536 part of 7.4536, has four digits. By the definition of decimal notation, the decimal portion represents
Convert 3.2117 to fraction form.
- Answer
-
Step 1: There are four digits after the decimal point, so
.n = 4 n = 4 Step 2: Raise 10 to the fourth power,
.10 4 = 10,000 10 4 = 10,000 Step 3: When we remove the decimal point, we have 32,117.
Step 4: The fraction has as its numerator the result from Step 3 and as its denominator the result of Step 2, which is the fraction
.32,117 10,000 32,117 10,000
Convert 17.03347 to fraction form.
The process is different when converting from the decimal form of a rational number into fraction form when the decimal form is a repeating decimal. This process is not covered in this text.
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers
Multiplying rational numbers is less complicated than adding or subtracting rational numbers, as there is no need to find common denominators. To multiply rational numbers, multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators, and write the numerator product divided by the denominator product. Symbolically,
If
Calculate
- Answer
-
Multiply the numerators and place that in the numerator, and then multiply the denominators and place that in the denominator.
12 25 × 10 21 = 12 × 10 25 × 21 = 120 525 12 25 × 10 21 = 12 × 10 25 × 21 = 120 525 This is not in lowest terms, so this needs to be reduced. The GCD of 120 and 525 is 15.
120 525 = 15 × 8 15 × 35 = 8 35 120 525 = 15 × 8 15 × 35 = 8 35
Calculate \(\frac{45}{88} \times \frac{28}{75}\).
Multiplying Fractions
As with multiplication, division of rational numbers can be done using a calculator.
Calculate 3.45 ÷ 2.341 using a calculator. Round to three decimal places if necessary.
- Answer
-
Using a calculator, we obtain 1.473729175565997. Rounding to three decimal places we have 1.474.
Calculate \(45.63 \div 17.13\) using a calculator. Round to three decimal places, if necessary.
Before discussing division of fractions without a calculator, we should look at the reciprocal of a number. The
reciprocal
of a number is 1 divided by the number. For a fraction, the reciprocal is the fraction formed by switching the numerator and denominator. For the fraction
When dividing two fractions by hand, find the reciprocal of the
divisor
(the number that is being divided into the other number). Next, replace the divisor by its reciprocal and change the division into multiplication. Then, perform the multiplication. Symbolically,
If
-
Calculate
.4 21 ÷ 6 35 4 21 ÷ 6 35 -
Calculate
.1 8 ÷ 5 28 1 8 ÷ 5 28
- Answer
-
-
Step 1:
Find the reciprocal of the number being divided by
. The reciprocal of that is6 35 6 35 .35 6 35 6 Step 2: Multiply the first fraction by that reciprocal.
4 21 ÷ 6 35 = 4 21 × 35 6 = 140 126 4 21 ÷ 6 35 = 4 21 × 35 6 = 140 126 The answer,
is not in lowest terms. The GCD of 140 and 126 is 14. Factoring and canceling gives140 126 140 126 .140 126 = 14 × 10 14 × 9 = 10 9 140 126 = 14 × 10 14 × 9 = 10 9 -
Step 1:
Find the reciprocal of the number being divided by, which is
. The reciprocal of that is5 28 5 28 .28 5 28 5 Step 2: Multiply the first fraction by that reciprocal:
1 8 ÷ 5 28 = 1 8 × 28 5 = 28 40 1 8 ÷ 5 28 = 1 8 × 28 5 = 28 40 The answer,
, is not in lowest reduced form. The GCD of 28 and 40 is 4. Factoring and canceling gives28 40 28 40 .28 40 = 4 × 7 4 × 10 = 7 10 28 40 = 4 × 7 4 × 10 = 7 10
-
Step 1:
Find the reciprocal of the number being divided by
1. Calculate \(\frac{46}{175} \div \frac{69}{285}\).
2. Calculate \(\frac{3}{40} \div \frac{42}{55}\).
Dividing Fractions
Applying the Order of Operations to Simplify Expressions
The order of operations for rational numbers is the same as for integers, as discussed in Order of Operations. The order of operations makes it easier for anyone to correctly calculate and represent. The order follows the well-known acronym PEMDAS:
| P | Parentheses |
| E | Exponents |
| M/D | Multiplication and division |
| A/S | Addition and subtraction |
The first step in calculating using the order of operations is to perform operations inside the parentheses. Moving down the list, next perform all exponent operations moving from left to right. Next (left to right once more), perform all multiplications and divisions. Finally, perform the additions and subtractions.
Correctly apply the rules for the order of operations to accurately compute
- Answer
-
Step 1: To calculate this, perform all calculations within the parentheses before other operations.
( 5 7 − 2 7 ) × 2 3 = ( 3 7 ) × 2 3 ( 5 7 − 2 7 ) × 2 3 = ( 3 7 ) × 2 3 Step 2: Since all parentheses have been cleared, we move left to right, and compute all the exponents next.
( 3 7 ) × 2 3 = ( 3 7 ) × 8 ( 3 7 ) × 2 3 = ( 3 7 ) × 8 Step 3: Now, perform all multiplications and divisions, moving left to right.
( 3 7 ) × 8 = 24 7 ( 3 7 ) × 8 = 24 7
\(\begin{array}{l}
\text { Correctly apply the rules for the order of operations to accurately compute }\\
\left(\frac{3}{16}+\frac{7}{16}\right)^2+\frac{1}{5} \div \frac{3}{10}
\end{array}\)
Correctly apply the rules for the order of operations to accurately compute
- Answer
-
To calculate this, perform all calculations within the parentheses before other operations. Evaluate the innermost parentheses first. We can work separate parentheses expressions at the same time.
Step 1: The innermost parentheses contain
. Calculate that first, dividing after finding the common denominator.2 3 + 5 2 3 + 5 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 5 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 5 1 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 15 3 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 5 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 5 1 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 2 3 + 15 3 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 Step 2: Calculate the exponent in the parentheses,
.( 5 9 ) 2 ( 5 9 ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 5 9 ) 2 − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 = 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 Step 3: Subtract inside the parentheses is done, using a common denominator.
4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 × 27 3 × 27 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 459 81 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( − 434 81 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 3 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 17 × 27 3 × 27 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( 25 81 ) − ( 459 81 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( − 434 81 ) ) 2 Step 4: At this point, evaluate the exponent and divide.
4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( − 434 81 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( 188,356 6,561 ) = 4 + 2 3 × ( 6,561 188,356 ) = 4 + 2,187 94,178 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( ( − 434 81 ) ) 2 4 + 2 3 ÷ ( 188,356 6,561 ) = 4 + 2 3 × ( 6,561 188,356 ) = 4 + 2,187 94,178 Step 5: Add.
4 + 2,187 94,178 = 378,899 94,178 4 + 2,187 94,178 = 378,899 94,178 Had this been done on a calculator, the decimal form of the answer would be 4.0232 (rounded to four decimal places).
Correctly apply the rules for the order of operations to accurately compute
\(\left(\frac{3}{5}+2\right) \times\left(\frac{4}{5}-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 \div \frac{11}{15}\).
Order of Operations Using Fractions
Applying the Density Property of Rational Numbers
Between any two rational numbers, there is another rational number. This is called the density property of the rational numbers.
Finding a rational number between any two rational numbers is very straightforward.
Step 1: Add the two rational numbers.
Step 2: Divide that result by 2.
The result is always a rational number. This follows what we know about rational numbers. If two fractions are added, then the result is a fraction. Also, when a fraction is divided by a fraction (and 2 is a fraction), then we get another fraction. This two-step process will give a rational number, provided the first two numbers were rational.
Demonstrate the density property of rational numbers by finding a rational number between
- Answer
-
To find a rational number between
and4 11 4 11 :7 12 7 12 Step 1: Add the fractions.
4 11 + 7 12 = 4 × 12 11 × 12 + 7 × 11 12 × 11 = 48 132 + 77 132 = 125 132 4 11 + 7 12 = 4 × 12 11 × 12 + 7 × 11 12 × 11 = 48 132 + 77 132 = 125 132 Step 2: Divide the result by 2. Recall that to divide by 2, you multiply by the reciprocal of 2. The reciprocal of 2 is
, as seen below.1 2 1 2 125 132 ÷ 2 = 125 132 × 1 2 = 125 264 125 132 ÷ 2 = 125 132 × 1 2 = 125 264 So, one rational number between
and4 11 4 11 is7 12 7 12 .125 264 125 264 We could check that the number we found is between the other two by finding the decimal representation of the numbers. Using a calculator, the decimal representations of the rational numbers are 0.363636…, 0.473484848…, and 0.5833333…. Here it is clear that
is between125 264 125 264 and4 11 4 11 .7 12 7 12
Demonstrate the density property of rational numbers by finding a rational number between \(\frac{27}{13}\) and \(\frac{21}{10}\).
Solving Problems Involving Rational Numbers
Rational numbers are used in many situations, sometimes to express a portion of a whole, other times as an expression of a ratio between two quantities. For the sciences, converting between units is done using rational numbers, as when converting between gallons and cubic inches. In chemistry, mixing a solution with a given concentration of a chemical per unit volume can be solved with rational numbers. In demographics, rational numbers are used to describe the distribution of the population. In dietetics, rational numbers are used to express the appropriate amount of a given ingredient to include in a recipe. As discussed, the application of rational numbers crosses many disciplines.
James is mixing soil for a raised garden, in which he plans to grow a variety of vegetables. For the soil to be suitable, he determines that
- Answer
-
In this example, we know the proportion of each component to mix, and we know the total amount of the mix we need. In this kind of situation, we need to determine the appropriate amount of each component to include in the mixture. For each component of the mixture, multiply 60 cubic feet, which is the total volume of the mixture we want, by the fraction required of the component.
Step 1: The required fraction of topsoil is
, so James needs2 5 2 5 cubic feet of topsoil. Performing the multiplication, James needs60 × 2 5 60 × 2 5 (found by treating the fraction as division, and 120 divided by 5 is 24) cubic feet of topsoil.60 × 2 5 = 120 5 = 24 60 × 2 5 = 120 5 = 24 Step 2: The required fraction of peat moss is also
, so he also needs2 5 2 5 cubic feet, or60 × 2 5 60 × 2 5 cubic feet of peat moss.60 × 2 5 = 120 5 = 24 60 × 2 5 = 120 5 = 24 Step 3: The required fraction of compost is
. For the compost, he needs1 5 1 5 cubic feet.60 × 1 5 = 60 5 = 12 60 × 1 5 = 60 5 = 12
Ashley wants to study for 10 hours over the weekend. She plans to spend half the time studying math, a quarter of the time studying history, an eighth of the time studying writing, and the remaining eighth of the time studying physics. How much time will Ashley spend on each of those subjects?
At Bella’s Pizza, one-third of the pizzas that are ordered are one of their specialty varieties. If there are 273 pizzas ordered, how many were specialty pizzas?
- Answer
-
One-third of the whole are specialty pizzas, so we need one-third of 273, which gives
, found by dividing 273 by 3. So, 91 of the pizzas that were ordered were specialty pizzas.1 3 × 273 = 273 3 = 91 1 3 × 273 = 273 3 = 91
Danny, a nutritionist, is designing a diet for her client, Callum. Danny determines that Callum’s diet should be 30% protein. If Callum consumes 2,400 calories per day, how many calories of protein should Danny tell Callum to consume?
Finding a Fraction of a Total
Using Fractions to Convert Between Units
A common application of fractions is called unit conversion , or converting units , which is the process of changing from the units used in making a measurement to different units of measurement.
For instance, 1 inch is (approximately) equal to 2.54 cm. To convert between units, the two equivalent values are made into a fraction. To convert from the first type of unit to the second type, the fraction has the second unit as the numerator, and the first unit as the denominator.
From the inches and centimeters example, to change from inches to centimeters, we use the fraction
It is known that 1 liter (L) is 0.264172 gallons (gal). Use this to convert 14 liters into gallons.
- Answer
-
We know that 1 liter = 0.264172 gal. Since we are converting from liters, when we create the fraction we use, make sure the liter part of the equivalence is in the denominator. So, to convert the 14 liters to gallons, we multiply 14 by
. Notice the gallon part is in the numerator since we’re converting to gallons, and the liter part is in the denominator since we are converting from liters. Performing this and rounding to three decimal places, we find that 14 liters is1 gal 0.264172 gal / 1 liter 1 gal 0.264172 gal / 1 liter .14 liter × 0.264172 gal 1 liter = 3.69841 gal 14 liter × 0.264172 gal 1 liter = 3.69841 gal
One mile is equal to 1.60934 km. Convert 200 miles to kilometers. Round off the answer to three decimal places.
It is known that 1 inch is 2.54 centimeters. Use this to convert 100 centimeters into inches.
- Answer
-
We know that 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Since we are converting from centimeters, when we create the fraction we use, make sure the centimeter part of the equivalence is in the denominator,
. To convert the 100 cm to inches, multiply 100 by1 in 2.54 cm 1 in 2.54 cm . Notice the inch part is in the numerator since we’re converting to inches, and the centimeter part is in the denominator since we are converting from centimeters. Performing this and rounding to three decimal places, we obtain1 in 2.54 cm 1 in 2.54 cm . This means 100 cm equals 39.370 in.100 cm × 1 in 2.54 cm = 39.370 in 100 cm × 1 in 2.54 cm = 39.370 in
It is known that 4 quarts equals 3.785 liters. If you have 25 quarts, how many liters do you have? Round off to three decimal places.
Converting Units
Defining and Applying Percent
A
percent
is a specific rational number and is literally per 100.
Rewrite the following as fractions:
- 31%
- 93%
- Answer
-
-
Using the definition and
, 31% in fraction form isn = 31 n = 31 .31 100 31 100 -
Using the definition and
, 93% in fraction form isn = 93 n = 93 .93 100 93 100
-
Using the definition and
Rewrite the following as fractions:
- 4%
- 50%
Rewrite the following percentages in decimal form:
- 54%
- 83%
- Answer
-
-
Using the definition and
, 54% in fraction form isn = 54 n = 54 . Dividing a number by 100 moves the decimal two places to the left; 54% in decimal form is then 0.54.54 100 54 100 -
Using the definition and
, 83% in fraction form isn = 83 n = 83 . Dividing a number by 100 moves the decimal two places to the left; 83% in decimal form is then 0.83.83 100 83 100
-
Using the definition and
Rewrite the following percentages in decimal form:
- 14%
- 7%
You should notice that you can simply move the decimal two places to the left without using the fractional definition of percent.
Percent is used to indicate a fraction of a total. If we want to find 30% of 90, we would perform a multiplication, with 30% written in either decimal form or fractional form. The 90 is the
total
, 30 is the
percentage
, and 27 (which is
- Determine 40% of 300.
- Determine 64% of 190.
- Answer
-
-
The total is 300, and the percentage is 40. Using the decimal form of 40% and multiplying we obtain
.0.40 × 300 = 120 0.40 × 300 = 120 -
The total is 190, and the percentage is 64. Using the decimal form of 64% and multiplying we obtain
.0.64 × 190 = 121.6 0.64 × 190 = 121.6
-
The total is 300, and the percentage is 40. Using the decimal form of 40% and multiplying we obtain
1. Determine 25% of 1,200.
2. Determine 53% of 1,588.
In the previous situation, we knew the total and we found the percentage of the total. It may be that we know the percentage of the total, and we know the percent, but we don't know the total. To find the total if we know the percentage the percentage of the total, use the following formula.
If we know that
- What is the total if 28% of the total is 140?
- What is the total if 6% of the total is 91?
- Answer
-
-
28 is the percentage, so
. 28% of the total is 140, son = 28 n = 28 . Using those we find that the total wasx = 140 x = 140 .100 × 140 28 = 500 100 × 140 28 = 500 -
6 is the percentage, so
. 6% of the total is 91, son = 6 n = 6 . Using those we find that the total wasx = 91 x = 91 .100 × 91 6 = 1,516.6 100 × 91 6 = 1,516.6
-
28 is the percentage, so
What is the total if 25% of the total is 30?
What is the total if 45% of the total is 360?
The percentage can be found if the total and the percentage of the total is known. If you know the total, and the percentage of the total, first divide the part by the total. Move the decimal two places to the right and append the symbol %. The percentage may be found using the following formula.
The percentage,
Find the percentage in the following:
- Total is 300, percentage of the total is 60.
- Total is 440, percentage of the total is 176.
- Answer
-
- The total is 300; the percentage of the total is 60. Calculating yields 0.2. Moving the decimal two places to the right gives 20. Appending the percentage to this number results in 20%. So, 60 is 20% of 300.
- The total is 440; the percentage of the total is 176. Calculating yields 0.4. Moving the decimal two places to the right gives 40. Appending the percentage to this number results in 40%. So, 176 is 40% of 440.
Find the percentage in the following:
Total is 1,000, percentage of the total is 70.
Total is 500, percentage of the total is 425.
Solve Problems Using Percent
In the media, in research, and in casual conversation percentages are used frequently to express proportions. Understanding how to use percent is vital to consuming media and understanding numbers. Solving problems using percentages comes down to identifying which of the three components of a percentage you are given, the total, the percentage, or the percentage of the total. If you have two of those components, you can find the third using the methods outlined previously.
A study revealed that 70% of students suffer from sleep deprivation, defined to be sleeping less than 8 hours per night. If the survey had 400 participants, how many of those participants had less than 8 hours of sleep per night?
- Answer
-
The percentage of interest is 70%. The total number of students is 400. With that, we can find how many were in the percentage of the total, or, how many were sleep deprived. Applying the formula from above, the number who were sleep deprived was
; 280 students on the study were sleep deprived.0.70 × 400 = 280 0.70 × 400 = 280
Riley has a daily calorie intake of 2,200 calories and wants to take in 20% of their calories as protein. How many calories of protein should be in their daily diet?
There are 126 million users who are U.S. Amazon Prime subscribers. If there are 328.2 million residents in the United States, what percentage of U.S. residents are Amazon Prime subscribers?
- Answer
-
We are asked to find the percentage. To do so, we divide the percentage of the total, which is 126 million, by the total, which is 328.2 million. Performing this division and rounding to three decimal places yields
. The decimal is moved to the right by two places, and a % sign is appended to the end. Doing this shows us that 38.4% of U.S. residents are Amazon Prime subscribers.126 328.2 = 0.384 126 328.2 = 0.384
A small town has 450 registered voters. In the primaries, 54 voted. What percentage of registered voters in that town voted in the primaries?
Evander plays on the basketball team at their university and 73% of the athletes at their university receive some sort of scholarship for attending. If they know 219 of the student-athletes receive some sort of scholarship, how many student-athletes are at the university?
- Answer
-
We need to find the total number of student-athletes at Evander’s university.
Step 1: Identify what we know. We know the percentage of students who receive some sort of scholarship, 73%. We also know the number of athletes that form the part of the whole, or 219 student-athletes.
Step 2: To find the total number of student-athletes, use
, with100 × x n 100 × x n andx = 219 x = 219 . Calculating with those values yieldsn = 73 n = 73 .100 × 219 73 = 300 100 × 219 73 = 300 So, there are 300 total student-athletes at Evander’s university
A store declares a deep discount of 40% for an item, which they say will save $30. What was the original price of the item?
Check Your Understanding
Identify which of the following are rational numbers. \(-41, \sqrt{13}, \frac{4}{3}, 2.75,0.2 \overline{13}\)
- Express \(\frac{18}{30}\) in lowest terms.
- Calculate \(\frac{3}{8}+\frac{5}{12}\) and express in lowest terms.
- Convert 0.34 into fraction form.
- Convert \(\frac{47}{12}\) into a mixed number.
- Calculate \(\frac{2}{9} \times \frac{21}{22}\) and express in lowest terms.
- Calculate \(\frac{2}{5} \div \frac{3}{10}+\frac{1}{6}\).
- Identify a rational number between \(\frac{7}{8}\) and \(\frac{20}{21}\).
- Rewrite \(3 \frac{2}{7}\) as an improper fraction.
- Lina decides to save \(\frac{1}{8}\) of her take-home pay every paycheck. Her most recent paycheck was for \(\$ 882\). How much will she save from that paycheck?
- Determine \(38 \%\) of 600 .
- A microchip factory has decided to increase its workforce by \(10 \%\). If it currently has 70 employees, how many new employees will the factory hire?