r~

4
Rational Numbers

.
We have so far stud ied abou t the syst ems of natu ral num b ers, whole num bers , integ ers and
frac tion s . We shal l recall them here and exte b
nd our idea s to ratio nal num ers.
NATURAL NUMBERS The coun ting num
bers are calle d natu ral num bers .
Thu s, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... , etc., are all natu ral num
bers .
. WHOLE NUMBERS All natu ral num bers
together with O (zero) are calle d who le
nu,mbers.
Thu s, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... , etc., are all whole
num bers .
Clearly, every natu ral num ber is a whole num
ber but 0 is a who le num ber which is
not a natu ral num ber.
INTEGERS All natu ral num bers , O and
negatives of coun ting num bers are caLLl
?l:l--illtU:".gg[S
Thu s, ... , - 5, - 4, - 3, - 2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...
, etc., are all inte gers .
· 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... , etc. , are all positive integers.
··
-1, - 2, - 3, - 4, - 5, - 6, .. ; , etc., are all negative
integers.
Zero is an integer which is neither positive
nor negative.
Clearly, a positive integer is the sam e as a natu
ral num ber.
J
FRACTIONS . The num bers of the form
~, whe re a and b are natu ral num bers
, rare called
frac tion s.
2 3 11 102 ·
3, 8 , 5 , 23 , etc., are all fractions.
Thu s,

RATIONAL NUMBERS The num bers of p

the form - , whe re p and q are i t .
. q . n egers and q * O
. , are
calle d ratio nal num bers .
•
Examples of rational numbers

3 -6-
1. Eac h of the num bers - , - , -8 ,· -2 is a · ,
· -4 17 -:-3 5 ratio nal b·.
num er.
2. Zero is a ratio nal number, since we can
write o __.Q) · · ·
integ ers with a nonzero de~omtnator.
. · · 1·
~ Which is the quot ient of tw0

3. Every natu ral number ts a rattonal"nnmber.

~ -- -- -- -~ ~ ~ := :__ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~
55
Rational Numbers

We can writ e,
2 3
1 == 1 •2 = , 3 = , and so on.
1 1 1
wrtt.e it as !!:.. , whic h ts a ratio nal
In gene ral, if n is a natu ral num ber. then we can 1
num ber.
4· Eve ry integ er is a ratio nal num ber.
· an integer, then we can write it as -m , which ls clearly a rallo nal num ber.
ff mis
1
Thu s, ever y integ er is a ratio nal num ber.
5. Eve ry frac tion is a ratio nal num ber.
a num bers and b :t 0.
Let b be a fract ion. The n, a and b are whole
But, ever y who le num ber is an integer.
a b :t 0.
Thu s, b is the quot ient of two integ ers such that
a
:. b is a ratio nal num ber.

Hen ce, ever y fract ion is a ratio nal number.

POSITIVE RATIONAL NUMBERS
both
if its num erat or and den omin ator are eith er
A ratio nal num ber is said to be posi tive
positive or both nega tive.
5 -13 1 7 - 72 36
Each of the num bers - , --8- , -9 , - - , - is a: positive ratio nal num ber.
EXAMPLE 7 -40 63

NEGATIVE RATIONAL NUMBERS

A ratio nal num ber is said to be nega tive
if its num erat or and deno mina tor are such that one
is a nega tive integer.
of them is a posi tive integ er and the othe r
.
-3 3 -18 18 a negative ratio
s- , - , - - , -is nal num ber.
EXAMPLE Each of the num ber 5 -5 7 -7

L NUMBERS
THREE IMPORTANT PROPERTIES OF RATIONA . p pxm
p ber and m is a nonz ero integ er, then - =- - ·
PROPERTY 1. if - is a ratio nal num q qxm
q _
d, if its num erat or and deno mina tor
Thu s, a ratio nal num ber rem ains unch ange
er.
are mul tipli ed by the sam e nonz ero integ
For exam ple, we have:
-2 (-2) x2 (-2) x3 (-2) x4 (-2) x5
- -~ =
= = - - - = - - ~ =3x5
3x2 3x3 3x4
3
~8 -10
. -2 -4= -6 = - =--=
⇒ - = -6 9 12 15
3 p p +m .
. =_
a com mon divis or oj p and q. tllen -
P ts a ratio nal num ber and m
if- ts
q q+m
PROPERTY 2.
q
mina tor ql a ratio nal num ber by a
Thu s, on divid ing the num erat or and deno .
com mon divis or, it rem ains unch ange d.
For exam ple, we have:
32 32+ 4 8 [HCF of 32 and 36 is 4)
36 = -36 + 4 = 9 .
-27 (-47 )+9 _ -3 , [HCF of 27 JDd 63 is 9)
;:t.;;. _..,;.; ;--- - -
63 . ~63+ 9 7
 56
. fi r Class 7
Mathematics o - - - - -
------~
Equivalent Rational Numbers umber.by the same nonzero
f gtven rattonal n umber
ntnator O a ttonal n nal number by a colllnioii
On multiplying the numerator and d enot . t to the gtven ra
number, we get a rational number equtvalen f 111ven ratio
11 d d . omtnntor o a EJ" I number.
Similarly; on dividing the numerator • 1 e7 to Ihr. !(lven ratlona bt tnedfrom the other b~
divtsor, we get a rational number equfrJa et1 · l l iforre can be O a onzero number.
Thus, two rational numbers are sac I It O be equtva .efl .
denominator by the same n
multiplying (or dividing) its numerator artd
Thus, equivalent rational numbers are equal.

SOLVED EXAMPLES tlonal numbers:

EXAMPLE 1.
l
Find four rational numbers equtva en t to each of the ra
5 -8
(i) ~ (ii) - (iii) 3
4 -7

V
Solution We have:
· 3 3x2 3x4_3x5_
3x3
(i) 4= 4X2 = 4X3 = 4X 4 -
4X5
3 6 9 12 15
-=-=-=-=-•
2 16 . 20 15
4 8 1 3 are 6 , ~, 12 and _ .
Thus, four rational numbers equivalent to 8 12 16 20
4
5 5x2 5x3 5x4 5x5
(ii) -7 = (-7) X 2 ~ (-7) X 3 = (-7) X 4 = (-7) X 5
5 10 15 20 25
-=-=-=-=-·
-7 -14 -21 -28 -35
. 5
Thus, four rational numbers equivalent to _ are
7
_!_Q__ ~ 20 . and 25 .
-14' -21°-28 -35
(iii) -8 = (-8)x2 = (-8) .x3 = (-8)x4 = (-8)x5.
3 3x2 3x3 · 3x4 3x5
-8 -16 -24 -32 -40
:. 3 = 6 = T = 12 = IB .
Thus, four rational numbers equivalent to --8 are
-16 -24 -32 ~40 3
5'9'12andl5.
An Important Result
lf the denominator of a rational number is negative then
denominator by -1 to get an equivalent rational number Wit~e multiply its numerator and
EXAMPLE 2.
.
Write each of the f ollowtng rational numbers With POStttve denomtnator.·
7 -5 -
- 12 -
-8 -
-
_,,., 3 - 13 Postttve denomtnator:
-2 - 8
t t I

·~·
Solution We 4ave:

--
3
-s,,
"I
=ii -
Sk(-1)
(-IJ,c (...
7 )( (-
(;Jl)it;J
-8
II
_,,
ij't
~---- ---~~ ~==- ----- --.::
-5 _ (-5)x(-l) 5
Rational Numbers 67

-2 - (-2)x(-l) == 2;
-13 _ (-13)x(-l) 13
-8 - (-8)x( - l) ==s·
-5
~MPLE3, Express
13 as a raHonal number wLlh poRUWe n.umerator.
50111tton We have:
-5 (-5)x(-l) 5
13
- 13 X (-1)
==-·
-13
-4
~MPLE4. Express - as a rational number wlth
7
(i) numerator = -12, (ll) numerator = 20.
4
solution (i) Numerator of - is - 4
7 .
By what number should we multiply (- 4) to get (-12)?
Clearly, such number is (.-12) + (-4) = 3.
So, we multiply its numerator and denominator by 3.
-4 (-4)x3 -l2
7
= 7x3
=-·
21
-4 -12
Hence-=- ·
' 7 21
. -4
(ii) Numerator of - is - 4.
7 .
By what number should we multiply (-4) to get 20?
Clearly, such number is (20) + (-4) = -5.
-4 _\(-4)x(-5) _ 20' .
1 - · ➔- x·r-~-fr1 ~ - 35
-4 20
Hence-=--•
' 7 -35
-3
EXAMPLE 5. Express - as a rational number with
8
(t) denomlnator = 32, (H) denominator = - 40.

-3
Solu.tton {i) Denominator of- is 8.
. 8
By what number should we multiply 8 to get 32?
Clearly, such number is 32 + 8 = 4.
So, we multiply its numerator and denominator by 4.
-3 (-3) X 4 -12
-=---=-·
8 Bx 4 32
-3 - 12
Hence - = - ·
' 8 32
-3
Denornloetor of
(11)
8 11 8.
s, nat a11mher uould we mulUply 8 to get l- 40)?
Clelr1J. IW:b nun.mer ta (-40) + 8 • -5.
•.,. _,,._, ua numerator and denominator by l-5).
•7

1
58
= -- -- -
·cs for Cla ss 7
Mnthema t,1,., ----

-3 (- 3) X (- 5) 15
8 = 8x( - 5) ==To ·
-3 15
40 ·
Hence, = ~
8
- 36
- as a rat.to11ul mmt/Je)r. u,111,· d e1wmlt1<l tor -- 4 ·
EXAMPLE 6. Express -
48
Sol utio n Den om ina tor of - 36 ts 48.
48
By wh at num ber sho uld we divi d 48 to get 47
e
Clearly, suc h num ber is 48 + 4 = 12.
So, we divide its num era tor and den nat or by 12.
om l .
-36 (-3 6) + 12 - 3
=
48 48 + 12 4
-36 -3
He nc e- -= -•
' 48 4 ,
EXAMPLE 7. Express __ 27 as a
rational num ber wit h deno min ato r == 5.
-45 (
,•
Solu tion 27 .
Den om ina tor of - - 1s - 45.
-45
By wh at num ber sho uld we divide
(-4 5) to get 5?
Clearly, suc h num ber is (- 45) + 5
= (-9) . ·
So, we divide its num era tor and den
om ina to~ by (....a.9).
27 27 + (-9 ) -3
--=
-45 (-4 5) + (-9 ) = 5- · 1, ·

. 27
He nc e- -=-3 -·
'-4 5 5
STANDARD FORM OF A RATION
AL NUMBER
A rational num ber p is sai d to be
q in sta nda rdf orm , if q is pos itiv e,
and p and q have no
com mo n divisor other tha n 1.

ME THO D In order to exp res s a given rationa

l num ber in sta nd~ rdf orm , we firs
into a rational num ber whose den t comierr it
num era tor and denominator by the om ina tor ts pos itiv e and the n we divide ilS
tr HCF.
EXAMPLE&. Exp res s eac h of the foll ow ing num
ber s in sta nda rdf ~rm :
(i) 21 , {it) - 32
35 40
Solu tion (1) The gtven num ber ts 21 ·
35
HC F of 21 and 35 ts 7. 21)35(1
-21
So, we divide it~ num era tor uuu
dt•nomhmtor b 14) 21( 1
21 21 + 7 3
y 7. -14
35 = 35 +1 "i ' 7)1 4(2

8-.l-~ r ~ --
-14
X
 Rational Numbers 59

(ii) The given number ts - 32 .

40 32)40(1
HCF of 32 and 40 ts 8 . - 32
So, we dtvtde tts mmwrntor nml tk110111lm1tor by 8.
8 )32( 4
- 32
- 32 (- 32) + 8 - 4 X
=- = (In ~1nndnn1 forn1) .
40 40 + H, 5
~MPLE9. Express each Q( the following ,111mhers {n standarrlforrn:
22 - 36
(i) - (ti) -
- 55 - 45

so1ut1on (i) The given number ts 22 .

- 55
Its denominat or is negative.
So, we multiply its numerator and denomi~ or by (- 1).
22)55(2
22 = 22x(-}) = -22. "- -44
-55 (-55)x(-l) 55 71)22{2
The HCF of 22 and 55 is 11. -22
X
So, we divide its numerator and denominat or by 11.
-22 (-i2) + 11 -2
--=----=-·
55 55 + 11 5
22 -22 -2
Hence, - - = - - = - (in standard form).
-55 55 5
-36 .
(ii) The given number is - - •) '
· · -45
Its denominat or is negative.
So, we multiply its .n umerator and denominat or by (-1). 36)45(1
-36 (-36) X (-1) 36 -36
=----=-· 9)36(4
- 45 (- 45) X (-1) 45
-36
HCF of 36 and 45 is 9. X
So, we divide its numerator and denominat or by 9.
36 36+9 4
=--
45 45 + 9_· 5
-36 36 4
Hence, - - = - = - (in standard form).
-45 45 5
EXAMPLE 10.
-247
Express - - in standardfo rm.
228
Solution -247
The given number ts ·
228 228~-l7ll
HCF of 247 and 228 is 19. - 228
So, we divide its numerator and denominat or by 19. -r§)228(1 2
- 24 7 (-24 7) + 19 - -19
- - = - - - - s:: - 1!3 38
228 228 + 19 12
-247 -13 -38
Hence, - = - - lin staud,ud fonu). X
228 12

n-•--.r: ~s~ :.!~WI,...,_

.,._.... b °"-~c
PROPERTY 3. two ftlUonGl lll.tlllMl!II a C
For any •d• (ax d) •(bx c). b / '\f
60
--.. ~•~~~-----...--- =i
-------------~M~Rt::he:_:m~a::'.ti::cs:.,:£~0r:..,C_l_as_ s_7_ _ _ _ - - - - - - - --..........

EXAMPLE 11.
Show that --15 and _5 are equt1Jaifmt: ra fl. ona l n umbers.
18 -6
Solution We have:
(- 15) x (- 6) = 90 and 1H x5 = 00
⇒ (- 15)x{- 6) = 18x5
- 15 5
⇒ - =- ·
18 -6
-15 5
Hence, - and - are equivalent.
18 -6
EXAMPLE 12. Find x such that - 3 and__!__ are equivalent rational numbers.
8 -24
Solution -3 X
It is given that - = - •
8 -24
- '3 X
- =- => 8xx = (-3)x(-24)
8 -24
=> 8xx = 72
72 .
=> X=-=9.
8
Hence, x =9.

EXERCISE 4A
1. What are rational numbers? Give examples of five positive and five negative rational
numbers. Is there any rational number which is neither positive nor negative? Name it
2. Which of the following are rational numbers?
.. -8
(i) ~ (ii) - 5 (iii) !_ (iv) -
-8 11 15
(v) 6
-12
(vi) -3 (vii) 0 (ix) !_
(viii) O 0
1
(x) -
0 0
3. Write down the numerator and the denominator of each of the following rational numbers:
(i) ~ (ii) ~ (iii) -lS (iv) - 8 (v) 9
19 -8 15 -11
4. Write each of the following integers as a rational number. Write the numerator and the
denominator in each case.
(i) 5 / (ii) . -~ (iii) 1 (iv) 6
. r (v) -23
5. Which of the following are positive rational numbers?
(i) ~ (ii) -11 (111) -5 (iv) 37 0
-5 15 -8 (v) -
53 3
(vi) 8
8. Which of the following are negative rational numbers?
(i) -15 (ii) 0 (111) -5
-4 7 (iv)_±_
(v) -6
-9
(vi) _!_
-2
7. Find four rational numbers equivalent to each of the followtn .
6 · -3 7 g.
CO - (11) - OUl - Uv) 8
11 8 - 15 (v) 1
(vi) -1

J
 ,,..---- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __,:R~a~ti~on~a~lN::_u~m::h~e:rs:__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~61
8, Write each of the followtng as a rational number with posltive denominator.
12
(t) ·-17 (it) _!_ (ltl) - B (iv) !!
-2 - 19 -6
5
9. Express 8 as a rational number wtth numcrat.or (l) 1fl , (II) - 10.
4 ? .
10, Express 7 ~~ a r.a tional number With den~mlnator (I) 21, (HJ - 35.
-12 .
11, Express
13 as a rational number with numerator (t) - 48, (11) 60 .
-8
1i, Express as a rational number with denominator (1) 22, (ii) -55.
O
14
1s. Express _ as a rational number with numerator (t) 56, (it) -70.
5
13
14. Express _ as a rational number with denominator · (t) -40, (ii) 32.
8
-36
15. Express as a rational number with numerator (i) -9, (ii) 6 .
24
84
16. Express - - as a rational number with denominator (i) 7, · (ii) -49.
-147
11. Write each of the following rational numbers in standard form:
~ (i) 35 (ii) ~ (iii) -27 (lV -14
. ) - -
· 49 -36 45 -49
(v) ~ (vi) -68 (vii) - 87 (viii) 299
:.....78 11~ .116 -161
4 18. Fill in the blanks:
(i) -9 _ ...... _ 27 = -45 " ) -6 -18 ......
(11 -=-=-
5 20 11 44
19. Which of the following are pairs of equivalent rational numbers?
(i) -13 39 (ii) 2_ -6 (iii) 9. -36
7 ' -21 -8' 16 4 -16

(. ) 7 -28 (v) 3 -1 (vi) ~ ~

. lV 15' 60 12' 4 3 •2
20. Find x such that:
(i) -1 =8 (ti) ~=! (111) ~=~
-3 6 5 -25
5 X
-48
(iv) 13 = -65 (v) 16 =-4 (vi) - =2
X
6 X X
21. Which of the following rational numbers are equal?
3 -8 15
(i) ~and -lO (11) - and -~ Utt) - aud -
-12 15 9 - 21 - 14 21
22. State whether the gtven statement is true or false:
(1) Zero ts the smeJle•t raUonal number,
(U) Every tnteger 18 a rational number.
UU) The quotient of two bl...,.~"'""' a number.
Uv) Every
(v) Every ra&1lOJ\III--
 62 Mathematics for Class 7 '
REPRESENTATION OF RATIONAL NUMBERS ON REAL LINE
In the previous class we have learnt how to represent integers on the number line.
Let us review it. .
Draw any line. Take a point O on it. Call it O (zero). Set off equal distances on the right as well as
on the left of 0. Such a .distance ts known es e unit length. CJearly, the points A, B, C, D, E
represent the integers 1. 2, 3, 4. 5 respectively Hml the polnl.s A', B', C', D', E' represent the
integers -1, -2, -3, -4. -5 respectively. · ·
E' D' C' B' ~ 0 A B C D E
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 .1 2 3 4 5

Thus, we may represent any integer by a point on the number ltne. Clearly, every positive integer
lies to the right of O and every negative in~eger lies to the left of 0.
Similarly, we can represent rational numbers.
Consider the following examples.
( EXAMPLE 1.
1 1
Represent - and - - on the number line.
2 2
I Solution Draw a line. Take a point O on it . Let it represent 0. Set off unit lengths OA and OA'
respectively to the right and left of 0.
Then, A represents the integer 1 and A' represents the integer -1.
P' 0 p .A
-1 -1/2 0 1/2

Now, divid~ OA into two equal parts. Let OP be the first part out of these two parts.
Then, the point P represents the rational number .!.. . ·
' 2
Again, divide OA' into two equal parts. Let OP' be the first part out of these 2 parts.
Then, the point P' represents the rational number_.!._.-
2
2 2 . . ' ·
on the number line.
Represent
3 and- 3
Solution
!:-!7i1!:etli~~t.':.~\~ri°~/~;:~::C':f:e~~ent 0 . From O set off unit distances 0A
Divide. OA into 3 equal parts. Let OP be the segment showtng 2 parts out of 3. Then.
the pomt p represents the rational number ~ .
·3
A' p'
I I O p A
I I I
1 2/3 0 2/3 1

Again divide OA' into 3 equal parts. Let OP' be th

e segment consisting of 2 parts out
of these 3 parts. Then, the point P' represents the rational b 2.
num er--.
13 -13 . 3
EXAMPLE 3.
Represent 5 and 5 on the number line.

Solution
Draw a line. Take a point O on it, Let it represent 0
13 3 3 . ·
Now, -=2-=2+-·
5 5 5 ,·
From 0, set off unit distances 0A AB d BC . .
and C r.epresent the fntp~ers ~
. --,.
;1
to tbe right of 0. Clearly, the points A, B
1' ., an 3 respectively. Now, take 2 units OA and AB,
 Rational Numbers 63

of these 5 parts to
and diVide the third unit BC into 5 equal parts. Take 3 parts out
13 •
er
reach at a point P. Then U1e point p reprcscnt.s lhc ruUonal numb 5
C' P' B' A' 0 A
I I I I I I I I
-13/5 -2 -1 0 1

Again, from 0, set off unit distan ces to the left. Let these segme
nts be OA', A' B', B'C',
rs - 1, - 2, - 3
etc. Then, clearly the points A', B' atid C' repres ent the intege
respectively.

~ -( 2+¾)-
3
Now, -~
5 equal parts.
Take 2 full unit length s to the left of 0 . DiVide the third unit B' C' into
Take 3 parts out of these 5 parts to reach a P<?int P'.
Then, the point P' repres ents the ration al numb er - 5l 3 .
er line.
Thus, we can repres ent every ration al numb er by a point on the numb

COMPARISON OF RATIONAL NUMBERS

It is clear that:
(i) every positiv e ration al numb er is greate r than 0,
(ii) every negati ve ration al numb er is less than 0.

How To Compare Two Rational Numbers?

inator .
Step 1. Expre ss each of the two given ration al numb ers with positive denom
Step 2. Take the LCM of these positive denom inator s.
as the comm on
Step3. Expre ss each ration al numb er (obtai ned in Step 1), with this LCM
denom inator . ·

Step 4. The numb er having the greate r numer ator is greater.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
pairs?
EXAMPLE 1. Which of the two rational numb ers ts greater in each of the following
2 -3 -9
(l) - or O (ti) - or O (tit) - or 0
8 5
5
. h 2
(1) Since every positiv e ration al numb er is greate r than
0, we ave: > 0.
Solution 5
-3
(ii) Since every negati ve ration al numb er is less than 0, we have:
8 <n
-9
<n
(111) Since every negative ration al numb er is less than 0, we have: 5
-4 2
ch £ the two rational numbe rs - and - ts greater?
EXAMPLE 2. Whi 0u 11 - 11

-4
&Lutton One numb er = -11 ·
!., 2 2X {-1) -2
The other n1J?lber • :IT • (.,.1 l) ,c f-1) U ·
1111
 I

64 . fir Cla ss 7
Mathematics o . --- -----------.
Sin ce - 4 < -2, the ref ore -4 < -2
11 11 ·
-4
He nce , - . < - 2 ·
11 - 11
2 - 4 ts gre ate r?
-=; and -5
EXAMPLE 3. Wh ich of the two rat ion al
nu mb ers
rt
Sol utio n Fir st we wr ite eac h of the giv en be rs wit h a postUve de no mt na o.
nu m
2 2x (-1 ) _- 2.
On e nu mb er = _ 3 = (_ 3) x (- l)
- 3
Th e oth er nu mb er = -4 ·
5·
Now, the LCM of the den om ina tor s 3 an'd5 1 5 15 ·
-2 (-2 ) X 5
-10
3 = 3x 5
15
-4 (-4 )x3
a n d ~ = - - - =-12
-- ·
5 5x 3 15
Now, -10 > -12
-10 -12
⇒ -->--
15 15
-2 -4
⇒ ->-·
3 5
-2 -4
H en ce -> -·
' 3 5 .
, -3 7 -5
EXAMPLE 4. Arr an ge the rat ion al nu mb .
ers - , - - , - in as ce nd ing ord er.
· . 5 -10 6
Sol utio n Fir st we exp res s eac h of the giv
en nu mb ers wit h po sit ive de
7 7x (-1 ) no mi na tor . We hav e:
-7
=
~1 0 (-l 0)x (-1 ) = 10
.
So , the giv en nu mb ers are --3 -7 -5
,- ,-
· 5 10 6 .
LC M of 5, 10, 6 = (2 X 5 X 3)
= 30.
-3 (-3 )x6 -18 -7 (-7
Now, - = - - - = -- , - )x3 -21
5 5X6 30 10
= - - -· = - -
10 X 3 30 2 5- lo -6
-5 (-5 ) X 5 -25
an d -= -- -= -- · 5 5- -5 -3
6 6x 5 30
1- 1- 3
-25 -21 · -18
Clearly, - - < - <- -,i .e ., --5 < --7 < --3
30 30 30 6 10 5 .
-5 7 -3
H en ce -< -- <- ·
'6 -10 5
EXAMPLE 5. Arr an ge the rat ion al nu mb
ers ~ -5 7 d -2
• ,-
- 9 12 -:-- 18 an t
Sol utio n Fir st we exp res s eac h of the giv 3 n de sce nd ing ord· er.
en nu mb ers With.
_!_:: 4x (-l ) • -4 an d2 - ·. 7><
1 •
(-1) po ~lt lve de no mt na tor . We
-9 (-9 )x( -l) 9 -18 (-l S) x( -l) ::..2...
have:
So , the gtven nu mb. ers are --4 -5 7
9
. - =- -2
12 · 1e ··s ·
18
~-------- ---~R~a~ ti~on~a~ l::N~um~b'.:e'.::rs:___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~6~5
LCM of 9, 12, 18, 3 = {3x3x 2 X 2) = 36.
3 9-12-18-3
Now - 4 - {- 4 )x 4 -16
' 9 - 9x4 =36; 3 3-4-6-1
-5 {-5)x3 - 15 2 1-4-2-1
12 - 12 X 3 = 36 : 1-2-1-1
- 7 _ (-7)x2 - 14
18 - 18 X 2 = 36 :
-2 (-2) X 12 -24
3
- 3xl2 - 36 .
Clearly. -l 4 -15 -16 -24
' >->->-
36 36 36 36
⇒ -7 -5 -4 -2
->->->-·
18 12 9 3
EXAMP~ List.five rational numbers between -2 and -1.
m -12 -6
solution vve may write, -2 = - and -1 = - , .
' &. / ' ✓ 6 __ /
-12 -tlr -H'.t ·< _~91
Clearly, - < ----.- < _
P-
-··& :.::.::.7 -6..k-
, < _ , < _ < _c '\
6 . ~ - 6' & .., •6 6 I
I
6
/''
-~l -5 -3 -4 -7
⇒ -2 <,, .----..-
I ~ ,:'
<( ~-
,
< -L..s,< - -< - <' -1
,. ~ .., . - 6_-:-·-.- -
⇒ five ratio:nal numbers between - 2 ·and -1 are
-u,,.. ---s -3 -4 -7
fr'~·'T' 3 and~ -
EXAMPLE 7. List six rational numbers between -1 and 0.
-7
Solution We may write, -1 = - •
7
- 7 ..a.6 -5 -4 -3 . . -2 -1 .
Clearly, 7< 7< 7< 7< 7< 7< 7< o·
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
⇒ -1<-<- <-<-<- <-<0
7 7 7 7 7 7
⇒ six rational numbers between -1 _a nd 0 are
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
- · - - - -and-·
7'7'7'7'7 7
-4 '-2
EXAMPLES. Listfive rational numbers between
5 and
3 ·
Solution LCM of 5 and 3 is 15.
-4 -4 · 3 -12 -12x3 -36 -2 -2 5 -10 -10x3 -30
- = - x - = - = - - = - and - = - x - = - = - - - = -·
5 5 3 15 : 15 X 3 45
45 3 3 5 15 15 X 3
-36 -35 ~34 ·-33 -32 -31 -30
Clearly, 45 < 45 < 45 < 45 < 45 < 45 < 45
-4 -7 -34 . ·-11 -32 -31 -2
⇒ 5~-, 9 < 45 <15< 45 < 45 <3
··, -4 -2
⇒ five rational numbers between and are
5 3
~7 -34 -11 -32 and -31.
9 ' 45 ' 15 ' 45 45
 6 ~ 6 ~ -- -- -- -- --
-M ~ at ~ h e~ m
,
~ a~ ti c~ ·s ~ fo :r
~ C l~ u A ~ H ~ 7
Three Important Pr -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ..
opert\es of Rat\ona ..
l Numbers
Property t For each rational nu ll tng ts true:
mber x, exac tlY one of the Jo ow
li) x > 0 · (ii i) x < 0
lU) x == O
Property 2. if th
For an y two rationa
l numbers x an d y' exactly one o e jiollowtng is· true:
li) X > y (iii) x < y
(ti) X == y
Property 3. if x, y and z be ra
tional numbers such and y > z then x > z.
that x > Y

EXERCISE 4B
1. Represent each of th
e following rational
nu mb er s on th e nu m be r line:
{i) !_
3
lii) ~ llli) -
7 . 2~
7
3
(iv) 7 (v) 37
(vi) -1 8
(vu'') --3 (viii) -1 2 (ix ) 36
3 . (x) -4 3
4 7
/ 2. Which of the -5 9
two tational numbe
! .
rs is greater in each ot
th e following pa ir s?
,., (1) -5
or O . (u.. -3 ·
6 ) - or O · · ·5 3
·' ("
m')' .,__ or
5
{iv) --7 -5 8 8
,- o r- -6 5
9 9 (v) - or - -1
( v i )5- o-1 7
11 -1 1 r-
3. Which of th e 4 '· :4
two rational nu m be
.l 5 rs is greater in each
(l - -3 of th e following pa
m- (") . 4 . -8 ir s?
9 -8 u - o c -·- l·... l -1 2 ·
-3 7 m-m-3
(iv) -7o r-5 - 4
5
-9 (v) -· o r - -7
8 9
(vi) - o r7-
-5 · 8
4. Fill in th e bl
an ks with the correc -1 3 -1 2
t symbol ou t of >,
(i) -3 ~ = an d <:
7
. . .. .. (" ) 5 -3 5
-1 3 11 -
. -2 5
-1 3 91 (iii) -2
... --1 3
(1v} - ... ... -
... 5
3 (v ) o...... --3
-8 (vi) -8 -9
-5
5. Arrange th e fo 9 "" " 10
llowing rational nu
m be rs in ascendin
(l') 3_ , !_ , ~ , 13 g or de r:
5 10 15 30 , ) --3 5 -7
\ii __ 9
(iii) -3 _ !_. -1 4 ' -1 2' 16 ' -2 4
1 _!I_
10 ' -1 5' 20 ' -3 0 (iv ) ~ ~ ~ -7
6. A rr an ge th e fo 3' 4' -6 ' 12
llowing ra tio na l nu
m be rs in descendi
(i) -2 _ !_ -1 ng or de r:
1 ~
5 ' -1 0' 15 ' -3 0 (ii ) -2 , ~1 3, !._ -!_
r··) -4 5 -1 2
ill 9 ' -1 2'
6 -3 ' 3
18 ' -3 uv) _!I_ _.!.!_ -1 ~
-3 0' -1 5' 10 ' 5
7. W hi ch of th e fo
llowing st at em en ts
ar e tr ue ?
{i) - 3 lie s to th
e left of 0 on th e nu
5 m be r line.
. .
(11) ~ lies to th e
rlgb.t of O on the n ~
7 b er line.
 67
Rational Number s

1 -5
3 and lie on opposi te sides of o on the numbe r line.
(iii)
2
-18
(iv) _ 13 lies to the left of O on the m1111hcr lt11c.
-5 r,
(v) - lies on the right of : - ,l on the 1111111hcr 1111c.
- 8 7

8. Find five rationa l numbe rs betwee

n - 3 and - 2.
9. Find five rationa l numbe
rs between - 1 and 1.
3
1o.
Find five rational numbe rs between - and - l .
5 2

ADDITION OF RATIONAL NUMBERS

into a rationa l
suppose we have to add two given rationa l numbe rs. First conver t each of them
number with a positive denom inator.
CASE I. When Denominators of Given Numbers are Equal:
Let p and !_ be any two rationa l numbe rs.
q q

Then, we define (p +!_J= (p+r). ·

q q q
we
Thus, in order to add two rationa l numbe rs with the same denom inator,
by the commo n denom inator.
simply add their numer ators and divide the sum

5 -13
EXAMPLE 1. Add -and -·
9 9

Solution We have:
5 -13 5+(-13 ) -8 [·: 5 +(-13) = -8].
-+--=---=
9 9 9 9

EXAMPLE 2. Add__! ____an d~-

-11 11

Solution We first expres s __I__ as a rationa l numbe r with positive denom inator. We have:
-11
7 7x(-1) -7
= =-·
-11 (-ll)x (-1) 11
7 3 -7 3 (-7)+3 -4 [·: (-7)+3 = -4i
-
- - + - = - + - = - - - =11
-11 11 . 11 11 11

CASE II. When Denom inators of Given Number s are Unequal:

Step 1. Take the LCM of the denom inators of the given rationa l munbt>rs.
commo n
Step 2. Expres s each pf the gtven rationa l numbe rs with the above LCM as the
denom inator.
Step 3. Now, add the numbe rs as shown in Case I.

\
 EXAMPLE 3. -2 3
Add nnrl
4
Sofutton The denominators of the gtven ra uonal num hers arc 3 and 4. l,<;M
3 ,,r aar,d 4 lB ,
12
- 2 (- 2)x4 - 8 3 - - - = -9 ·
3x3
N - = -12 and -4 - 4x3 12
ow. - 3 = -
3x4
-2 3 - 8 9_(- 8)+9 =__!_ ·
3+4=12+12 - 12 12
7 11
EXAMPLE 4. Simplify: _ + l8 .
27

Solution Fir t xpress _!_ as a rational number With positive denominator ur.e h
s wee _ 27 . · . vv. ave:
7 7x(-1) _ -7
-27=(-27)x(-1) 27
(
-7 11
So, the required sum is + ·
27 18
LCM of 2 7 and 18 = (3 x 3 x 3 x 2) == 54.
3 27-18
-7 (-7)x2 -14 11 llx3 33 .
3 ~
27 = 27x2= 54 and 18 == == 54 · l8X3
7 11 -7 11 3-2
-+-=-+-
-27 J8 27 18
(-14) +33 19
-14 33
=-+-::. =-.
54 54 54
54
Hence, the required sum is 19 .
54
EXAMPLES. -3 -5
Add-and-. ·
8 12
Solution
The denominators of the given rational numbers are 8 and 12.
LCM of 8 and 12 == (2 x 2 x 2 x 3) = 24.

Now, -3 == (-3)x3 = -9 and -5 == (-5)x2 = -10.

8 8x3 24 12 12x2 24
-3 -5 -9 -10 (-9)+(-10) -19 4-6

*
-+-=-+-=----=-·
8 12 24 24 24 24 -3
EXAMPLE&. 9 -5
Add-and-.
-16 -12
l Solution
Writing each of the given numbers With positive denominator, we have:
I 9 9x(-1) -9
nd
-5 (-5)x{-l) 5
-16 =(-16)x(-1) =16 a - 12 = (- 12)x(- l) = 12 ·
. -9 5
So, the required sum is + ·
16 12
LCM of 16 and 12 = (2x2x 4x3) = 48,
-9 (-9)x3 _ -27 and!.= 5x 4 = 20.
Now,16_ 16x3 - 48 12 12x4 48
9 -5 -9 5 -27 20 (-27)+20 = -7.
+ --+-==-+-• 48 48
... -16 -12 - 16 12 48 48
 R~tional Numbers 69

5
~ti'PLE7, Find the sum: (- + - 7 + !....!.).
9 12 18
501utton The denominators of the gtven numbers are 9, 12, 18.
LCM of 9, 12, 18 = (3 X 3 X 2 x 2) = 36.
3 9-12-18
-5 (-5)x4 -20 - 7 (- 7)x3 - 21
3 3-4-6
9 - 9 X 4 = 36 '12 = 12 X 3 = 36
2 1- 4--2
and !..!_ = ~ = 22 . 1- 2-1
18 18x2 36
-5 -7 11 -20 -21 22
-+-+-=--+-+-
9 12 18 36 36 36
(-20)+(-21)+22 (-41)+22 -19
= ------ = ---- = - .
36 36 36
-19
Hence, the required sum is - •
' 36
EXAMPLE 8. Express each of the following rational numbers as the sum of an integer and a
rational number:
(i) 19 -22
(ii)5
6
Solution We have:
(i) 19 = 3 _!__ =3 + _!__ .
6 6 6

(II) -!2 =-(2:)=-H)

=-(4+~)=-4+(-n
· 2 5
EXAMPLE 9. Rahul walks - km from a place P towards east and then from there 1- km
- · 3 · 6
towards west. What is his position now from P?
Solution Let us denote the distance covered towards east by positive sign.
Then, the distance covered towards west would be negative.

= [½+ (-1 ~ )] km ■
(
Rahul's flnal distance from P P--•---~
= rn {~ 1 )] km" 4+~11) km
-7 1
=-km=-1-km.
6 6
1
Rahul is at a distance of 1 km from P towards west.
6
EXERCISE 4C
1. Add the following rational numbers:
2 -5 7
(1) 12 and~ (U) - and! (W) ~and! Uv) -and-
7 7 5 5 -8 8. . 11 -11
(v) ~ and .:!.! (Vl) -
2
and .:! (vu) -17 -11
--,,.and- -3
(VW) -and-
5
. -13 -13 9 9 9 · 9 7 -7
 7o:_
~ __ __ __ __ _+--~~l~~Mot
t~ics~fi~
1em a or~C::l::as::s~7_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____
\ ~
2 · Add
the folloWing rali mrn l numl>l'rs:
1 -7 5
{i) --2 and 3 -5 (Iv) - an d-
5
- (tt) - And 2·· (tit) - 4 ~md
2 27 18
4 9 3
5 4 -9 -J 27 -15
{v) - and - 7 (v1) -
1
and (vll) - - amt --- (viii ) - and -
36 12 -9 - 27 24 18 -4 8
3. Evaluate:
11 3
-3 7
{i) -+ -+ =-
l
(11) -
-12 3 -2
+- +- (Ul) +- +-1
~
5 5 5 7 77 -12 - 8 4
. -16 -5 7 1 -2 -13 5 -1
{1v) - + - + - (v) -3+ - + - (vi)-+-+ -
9 12 18 8 5 8 16 4
4. Simplify:
-8
2 -7 13 27 7 11
(i) - + - (ii) - + - + - (iii) -1 + - +-
15
-3 10 -15 · 20 -9 12
. -11 5 -1 -3 -9 2 -3
(1V) - + - + 2 (v) 2+ (v i)- +- +-
39 26 -+ -
2 4 11 3 4
5. Exp ress each of the following
rational num ber s as the sum of an inte
num ber : ger and a rational
(i) 12 "") --11 (iii) -25 . ) -10 3
(11 (lV
5 --
7 9 20

SUBTRACTION OF RATIONAL NUMBER

S I
For any two rati ona l num ber s a and ~
b we define·
d' · .

We say tha t the add ttlv e Inverse of

: ts (-: }

(: - : )=: +(a ddi tiv e Inverse of : }

Afso, : -(-de)= : +{-(-de =(: +:} l

'it,. Hence, a -(- c)= a+ ~-
.-, b d b d

SOLVED EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1.
Ftn.d the add.tttve tnverse qf:
(tJ ~9 . (UJ -15 (HO...!_ (fuJ -12
7 -13 -13
Solutton
. (l) Additive Inverse of j ta=/.
(U) Additive 11tver11:lf !:.ll ••
. ~7
!! .
 Rational Numbers 71

8 Bx {-1) -8
{iii) -13 = (-13) X (-1) = 13 .

So, its additive inverse is ~.

13
-l2 (-12) X (- 1) 12
(iv) -13 = {-13) X ( - 1) = 13 .
S o, 1'ts additive inverse is -- 12 •
13
3 2 -5 -2
fXAMPLE2. Subtract (i) - from - , (HJ - from - ·
4 3 7 5
Solution We have:
. (2 3) = 2 (
(1)
3
-
4 3
+ additive inverse of
4
3)
2 -3 8+(-9) -1
=-+-=---=- ·
3 4 12 12
{. )5-2 - (-5)
11
7
= -2 (
5
+ additive inverse of -5)
7
, - 2 5 -14 + 25 11 ·
=-+-=---=-·
5 7 35 35
. -13 .
EXAMPLE 3. The sum of two rational numbers is -5 . if one of the numbers is - , find the other.
. 6 .
Solution Let the required number be x . Then,
3
-!
+x=-5 ⇒
3
) x~-sf!
' =-+-
-5
1
13
6
-30+13 -17
= =-·
6 6
· -17
Hence, the required number is
6 ·
EXAMPL What..shou~d be added, t~ -
8
7
to get ?
4
9

Solution Let the required number to be added be x. Then,

~7
B+x=9 . ==>
4 x=g-
4 (-7)
8
4 7
=- +-
9 8
(82it 83) 98
• 12 · n·
Hence. die recpdnd D11Pb- ti •ft• •

EXAMPLES. What alutlM • •u fl~.Awm T

-•
ta,_, i'5 .

Solutton Let the If to• lie Jt. Then.

72
Mnt)u~ma t ics for Class 7
-2 5 -2 5
3 -. x = 6-
- ~
- ~ · +X
a o

Hence, the required number ts - 3 ·

2
EXERCISE 4D
l. Find the additive inverse of:
-11
(i) 5
(ii) -9 (Hi) ~ (iv)
14 15
(v) ~ (vi) -18 (viii) _!_,_
-4 (vii) 0
-13 -6
2. Subtract:

(i) ~from.!.. -5 1 -8 -3 -9
4 3 (ii) -from-
6 3
(iii) 9 from 5 (iv) 7 from -1
(v) - lS from 1 (vi) -l 3 from 0 (vii) -
-32 -6
from -5 (viii) -7 from -
-4
11 9 13 7
5 -2 -3
(ix) -from- (x) 5 from-
9 3 5
3. Evaluate:
(i) ~ _i
4 5 (ii) -3-i "'). -
(ID 7 - 19
- . (iv) 14 _ 13
7 24 36 15 20
(v) i_~ 7
(vi) - - -
-4 (vii) -5 _ -2 -5 -3
''') -
9 -3 11 -11 (Vlll --
14 7 -8 4
· -36 33 and --19 •
49 from the sum of-
4. Subtract the sum o f - and -
11 22 8· 4
. 4 5
5. The sum of two rational numbers Is
21
· If one of them_ls .find the other.
7
-3 3
6. The sum of two rational numbers Is 8 ·If one of them Is , find the other.
16
7. The sum of two rational numbers Is -3. If one of them Is T,
-15 find the· other.
-4
s. The sum of two rational numbers is 3 ·If one of them is -5, find the other.
-3 5
9. What should be added to to get ?
8 12
-12
10. What should be added to to get 3?
5
-5 -2
11. What should be added to to get ?
7 3
2
12. What should be added to
9 to get -1?
 73
Rational Number s
~ .

3
1,_ What should
be added to (-: + -: )to get J?

14. What should be subtra cted from

- 3 to get ~ ?
· 4 6
2 5
15, What should be subtra cted from - to get - ?
3 6
-3 to get 1?
16, What should be subtra cted from -
4

MULTIPLICATION OF RATIONAL NUMBERS

The product of two rationa l numbe rs is defined below.
Product of their-numer ators
-------
p,-oduct of two rational numbe rs = - - - - - - - - = denom
Product of their inators

Thus, for any rationa l numbe rs : and ~ , we have:

~ X ~ J= (a X C) .
( b d (bxd)

SOLVED EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1. Find the product:
(i)3..x ~
3 7
(HJ
3
4
x(- 8
5
) (iii) (-
5
4
)x 6

Solution We have:
. 2 5 (2x5) 10
(l) 3 X 7 = (3 X 7) = 21.
(ii) 3 ~(-5) = 3x(-5) = -15.
4 8 4x8 32

(iiif54 }6=(_54 )xm= (-54~:6 =-t

-36 -14 -8 39
EXAMPLE 2. Simplif y: (i) - X- - (ii) l3 x _ 4
. 7 9
Solution We have:
-36 -14 (-36)X (-14)
Ul--x-=----
7 9 7x9
364 xl-42
= [·: produc t of two negative integers is positive]
;fl X.91

= ~1 =-8.
.
39
(ii) First we write - in standa rd form.
-4
39 39x(-1 ) - -39.
,...4 = -4x(- l) - 4
74
,m~a~ti~cs~fo:r~C~la~ss~7-------
------------M~at~he~
2 2
- 7

N - 8 39 -8 - 39 (- 8)><( - 39)
OW, - X- - X - _---:---
13 -4 - ii 4 - t3x4
g 2 xM-l~ I·: product of 1,wo nc~attve Integers ts postttvei
= -- -
H"1 X 41
0
~ 1 = 0.

EXAMPLE 3.
Simpl!f.~: (I) : x (- 4J
1
rw -3ox(=
"! J
Solutfon We have:
(1) 2- x(- 4)= 2- x( - 4) = 7x(- 4)
18 18 l 18xl
2
-(7xA
=- - -) t·: product of a posiUve integer an d a negative Jnt.P.gt,
(l-89 x 1) ts a negative integer)

-14
9

(ii) -36 X -5 = (-36) X (-5) = (-36) X (-5)

9 l 9 lx9
4
36" x5 [·: product of.two negative integers is positive]
=
dl
= 20.
(i) - 5 x ~
EXAMPLE 4. Simplify:
9 - 100
(") -11
ll 9 X =«
-21

Solution (i) Clearly,~= 63 X (-1) _ -63

- 100 (-100) X (-1) - 100 .
-5 63 -5
-63
-X--=-X-
9 -100 100
9
= (-5) X (-63) gl X 03'7
=--- [·: (-a)x(-b)=ab]
9xl00 .9'1 XWfr20 ·
7
20
-5 63 7
Hence, - x - - = - .
9 -100 20
(ll) ClearIy. -21 -- _ _ __:_ _ 21
(-2l)x(_:_1)
- 44 (- 44) X (-1) - 44 .
-11 -21 -11 21
-X-=-X-
9 -44 9 44
1
= (-ll)x21 = -11 x:H7
9x44 [·: (-a) X b = -(ab)) .
-7
=-·
12
-11 -21 - 7
Hence,-x - = - ·
9 -44 12
 Rational Numbers 75

4
EXAMPLES. A car is moving at an average speed of 56 - km/h. How much distance will it cover
1 5
in 7-hours?
2
4 284
Solution Distance covered in 1 hour = 56 - km = - km.
5 5
284142 3
Distance covered in 7 !. hours= ( x l-5 )km
2 51 Z1
=426km.
Hence, the required distance is 426 km.

EXERCISE 4E

1. Multiply:
9 by32 7
(i) 3 by 5 (ii) (iii) .by 24
4 7 8 3 6
-2 6 ( ') 25 ~ . 3 .
(iv) · - b y - (v) -12 by 10 V1 - y-
3 7 5 -3 -9 -10
·_7 -40 -36 20 · -13 -25
(vii) - b y - (viii) - . by- (ix) - b y - -
10 21 5 .. -3 15 26

2. Simplify:

(i)
3 4
·- x - (ii)
-7 . 5
-x- (ill) ~x - 9
20 5 30 14 -18 20
-9 -16 -7 (vi) ~ x -14
(iv) - x - (v) -32x-
8 3 36 ! -21 5

3. Simplify:
. (ii) -l 9 X 16 (iii) -
3 4
(i)!_x-48 X
24 36 4 3
3 9 54
(iv) -13 x 17 (v) -l x -10 (vi) - x - ·
26 5 16 27
40
S~:: 12) (-4
9sxl3 9x-2 +
3 ) (ii) (16 X -25 )+(-14 X ~)
15 B· 27 7

(iii) ( ~ -22 )-( 26 X -10)

55 X 9 125 39
(iv) (-12 X -14
7 37
)-(-8 ~5
X ~)
16

&. Find
3
1.
the cost of 3- metrea of cloth
..
at, 1
40..; per metre.
--
6. A bus
2
1s moving at an _..,, apc,ed .i~f lma1h. How much distance will it cover in
I
2-hours? • ·
5
 I
. fi r Class 7 --......._
~76~_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _2'.M~a~th~em~at:ic:s,::0
:.---:-:-:::::

RECIPROCAL OR MULTIPLICATIVE INVERSE OF A RAT IONAL NUMBER

d the recip roca l of the other.
lfthe prod uct of two rational numb ers ts 1 then e ach
_ b
one ts calle
1
Thus , the reciprocal of: ts : and we write, (:) "
a·
Clearly, (1) recip rocal of O does not extst.
(ll) recip rocal of 1 is 1.
(lli) recip rocal of -1 is -1.
EXAMPLE 1. Write down the reciprocal of:
(i) 1: (ii) -98 (ttt) -6

Soluti on We have:
13 7
(i) Recip rocal of is ·
7 13
(n"") Recip rocal of -8 is _9 ·
9 8
1
(iii) Recip rocal of -6 is - ·
. -6
Thus , we get:
(i) (13
7
)-l =!_13 (iii) (-6r 1 = _!_ ·
-6

DIVISION OF RATIONAL NUM BER S

a C
lf b and d are two rational numb e_rs such that dC -:t- 0,
·
then we defin e:
a
(b + c)= a x( reciprocal of c) =(abx~d) . ,
d b d

EXAMPLE 1. Simplify:
7 2 -8 2
(i)-+- (ii)-+- (itt) 16 + -4 -9 -3
15 3 35 7 (iv)-+-
21 3
20 10 .
Soluti on We have:
(1) !_+~ =!_X ~= 7X3 1 _ 7
15 3 15 2 16 5 x2~ 10·
(ti) -8 + ~ = -8 x ~ =(-8)x 7 _ -(8• x:,1 1 _4
5 .
35 7 35 2
35x2 - (35 x.z ) =
5 1
(W) 16 + -4 = 16 x _!_ = 16 X -3
21 3 21 -4 21 4
= 16x(- 3) • -(WS4 xai) _
4
21><4 lH, )(4)
l
• -7 · I

(tv) ::! + :! • :! x !!!_ • :! )( -10

20 10 ao .-a ao T
• ,_,, x (-10) • .. >c MJi .
3
IChcf 'tQa. • 2 ·
 ~al~ N~u ~m~ b:er ~s~ ---- ---- ---- -7.: _:7
~ - ---- ---- ---- ---- ~Ra ~t~ io~n
...,,11Pl,f 2. Fill in the blan ks: 2 7 ( -15
~ - 16 + ... ) = s ·

Let the requ tred num ber be ab . Then ,

27 + a _ -15 27 b -15
16 b - 8 ⇒ 16 x a = 8
b -15 27 -15 16
⇒ -=-+-=-X-
a 8 16 8 27
5 2
b (-15) x 16 -(l-5 xl-6 ) -10
⇒ ---
- - - =(,8-><.27'
- -8x27 =9-
a 9) 1
a 9 9x(- 1) -9
⇒ -= -= --- -= -·
b -10 (-lO) x(-1) 10
9
Henc e, the requ ired num ber is - .
10
-8 . . -4
- ts - ,find
fJ.AMlz.3. The prod uct of two ratio nal numb ers ts - • if one of the num bers
15
9
the other.

Solution Let the requ ired num ber be x. Then ,

·_4 -8 -8 -4
.
XX-=- ⇒ X=-+-
15 ·9 15 ·9
-8 15 -8 -15
⇒ X=-X-=-X~ 4 . . ._____ -~
9 -:- 4 9

(-B)x (-15) 8 2 xl:5 5 · 10

⇒ -X-=----=---=-·
9 X4 EJ3/ 41 . . 3
10
r num ber is -3 ·.
.Hence, the othe
· -33 -11
EXAIIPLE4. By wha t num ber shou ld -8- be divid ed to get -2?

Solution Let the requ ired num ber be x. Then ,

-33 · · -11 -33 1 -11
- - + x = - => --X -=2-
8 . 2 8 X
-11 -33 . -11
1 8
=> -=-+--=-X--
X 2 8 2 -33
1 -11 -8 (-ll) x(-8 )
=> - = - X - = - - - -
X · · 2 33 2x33
1 4
1 J.-1' X 8' 4
=> X - .Z1 X 3S3 = 3
3
⇒ x=- ·
, 4
s
Hence, the requ ited number ii i. ' a . I

"j .,
1 J.

~5. f _,87 i ·~ U.. cost qf each penctl.

Solutton
 78 . {or Clas s 7
Mathematics

Cost of 1 pencil = f ( 75 + 15 )-,

2 - (~2)( 15 1-)
= , _5
2
='2.50.
Hence, the cost of each pcnc 11 18 "2. 50,

EXERCISE 4F
f the following:
1. Fin d the multiplicative inverse
or reciproc al of each O (lv) 17
:__
(i) 18 (11) -16 (iii) _13 12
25
(V) -
-6 (vi) -3
(vti l) . 0
(vii) -1
19 -5
2. Sim plify :

(I) ¼+(;! ) (il l)~ + (-1 8}

7

(iv)(~~)+(;) . (-65] (13)

{vi) -
14
+ -
-7
3. Fill in the blanks:

(!) ( ... , .. )+(-:)=~~ -4

' (ii) ( .. . ... )+( -3) =1 5

{"'") 9
lll 8+( ...... ) =2
-3
(iv) (-12 ) + C: ..... ) = -6
5
65
4. Divide the sum of 8 ·
- and - by their difference.
12 3
5. By wha t num ber sho uld --44 be -11
divided to get - ?
9 3
6. By wha t num ber sho uld -
-8 '
be multiplied to get 24?
15 ·
7. The pro duc t of two rational num ber s is
10. If one of the num ber s is -8. find the
other.
s. The pro duc t of two rational num ber s
is -9. ff one of the num ber s is-1 2. find
the other.
9. The pro duc t of two rati ona l num -16
ber s is - · If one of the num ber s is --4 find the
9 other.
3•
10. By what rati ona l num ber sho
uld ; : he m.;_ltiplled to obt ain : ?
11 • If 24 pai rs of 6
trou sers of equal size can be pre par ed With 54 m of clot h, wh at len gth
ts req uire d for each pair of trou sers ? of cloth
/ 3
12. How man y p•eces, each of leng
th 3
I 4 m, can be cut from a rop e of leng th 30 m?
I 1
l3. The cos t rf 2 met res of cloth is t 78 3
2 4 · Find the cost of cloth per metre.