Let us learn how to represent Integers on a Number Line at first. To represent Integers on Number Line consider a Point called Zero. The Points to the right of 0 are denoted by + Sign and are Positive Integers. The Points to the left of 0 are denoted by – Sign and are Negative Integers. Now that you are aware of Representation of Integers on the Number Line representing Rational Numbers on the number line would be much easier to understand.
How to Represent Rational Numbers on the Number Line?
Let us discuss how to represent Rational Numbers on the Number Line. Similar to Positive Integers Positive Rational Numbers would be placed to the right of 0 and Negative Rational Numbers would be marked to the left of 0.
For instance which side you would mark -1/3 on the number line. The Answer is quite clear as it is negative you need to place it on the left of 0. While marking integers on the number line successive integers will be placed at equal intervals, i.e. 1 and -1 will be equidistant. The same is with 2, -2 and 3, -3 and so on.
This would be the case with Rational Numbers 1/2, -1/2 would be equidistant from 0.
Solved Examples
1. Represent 1/2 and -1/2 on the Number Line?
Solution:
Draw a line and mark point 0 at the center. Set off units to the right and left of 0 as they are equidistant.
Mark the rational number 1/2 between 0 and 1.
So is the case with -1/2 and place it between 0 and -1.
2. Represent 4/3, 5/3, 6/3, 7/3 on the Number Line?
Solution:
Draw a line and mark point 0 at the center. The line extends indefinitely on both sides.
Split the number line into 3 equal parts between 0 and 1. The first point of the division is given by 1/3 and the second point of the division is 2/3, third point 3/3, fourth point as 4/3, 5th point as 5/3, sixth point as 6/3, seventh point as 7/3.