UNIT 7 Number System and Bases: Introduction To SIM
UNIT 7 Number System and Bases: Introduction To SIM
Learning objectives
The work in this unit is focused on the classification of numbers into different sets. After completing
this unit of STUDENT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL (SIM) you should be able to
classify real numbers as rational or irrational
Numbers can be expressed uniquely in, for example, binary, using just the digits 0 and 1.
Facts to remember
m
Any rational number can be written as when m and n are integers and n 0 ; if m and
n
n are co-prime, the number is in its simplest form.
8 4 5 7
For example, = , 5 = , , etc.
6 3 1 2
Any real number that is not a rational number is called an irrational number.
In Base 3, the only digits used are 0, 1 and 2; in Base 4, digits 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on.
Glossary of terms
Real number The real number system consists of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and
irrational numbers (see below). These numbers may be positive, zero, or
negative.
The set of real numbers is denoted by Q.
m
Rational number Any number of the form when n and m are integers and n 0 .
n
The set of rational number is denoted by Q.
Natural (or counting) numbers these are 1, 2, 3, ... ; the set of natural numbers is denoted by N.
Binary number system The number system in which any number is expressed in terms of powers of 2.
That is
.... 2 4 , 2 3 , 2 2 , 21 , 2 0 ( = 1), 2 1 , 2 2 , ... etc.
The binary number system uses only the digits 0 and 1; for example,
101 = 1 2 2 + 0 21 + 1 2 0 = 5
Integer The positive and negative whole numbers and zero; for example,
..., 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...,
The set of integers is denoted by Z.