Yellow Star

How to Add Two Rational Numbers?

BY Team Aakash Byjus

Step-by-Step Guide

Rational Numbers Definition: A number that can be expressed as p/q, where p and q are integers and q≠0 is a rational number.

Rational Numbers

The set of Rational numbers is represented by the letter "Q."

Addition of Rational Numbers:

There are two different cases

Case 1 When the rational numbers have the same denominator.

Case 2 When the rational numbers have a different denominator.

Case 1  When the rational numbers have the same denominator.

Follow the steps below

- See that the   denominators are the   same. - Add the numerators. - Simplify to standard      form.

Example

1. Write the rational numbers in standard form

Follow the steps below

Case 2 When the rational numbers have a different denominator.

2. Find the L.C.M of denominators

Continuation..

3. Express each rational number with a common denominator, which is the L.C.M of the denominators

4. Now, we should add the numbers as in case 1.

The rational number p/q is said to be in standard form if p and q are integers with no other common divisor than one and q is positive.

Standard Form of a Rational Number

The rational number p/q is said to be in standard form if p and q are integers with no other common divisor than one and q is positive.

Example of standard form of a rational number

Let's solve the question based on case 2

1. Every positive rational   number is greater than   zero.

Key Points

2. Every negative rational number is less than zero.