01 Which number is an irrational number?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. (\sqrt{2})
Explanation: Direct answer: Option A, \(\sqrt{2}\) is irrational. A rational number can be written as \(p/q\), where p and q are integers and \(q\ne0\). Fractions, integers, terminating decimals and repeating decimals are rational. The number \(\sqrt2\) cannot be expressed as such a fraction; 2 is not a perfect square, so its square root is irrational. Option A is correct. Option B, \(3/4\), is already a ratio of integers, so it is rational. Option C, 0.5, terminates and equals \(1/2\), so it is rational. Option D, 7, is an integer and can be written as \(7/1\), so it is rational. Do not confuse an irrational number with a non-real number: \(\sqrt2\) is real, just not rational. Memory cue: the square root of a positive non-perfect square is irrational.