01 A student says that \(0.101001000100001\ldots\) is a rational number because it contains only the digits 0 and 1. Which evaluation of this statement is correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The statement is incorrect; its decimal expansion is non-terminating and non-recurring, so the number is irrational.
Explanation: The number of zeros between successive 1s increases as 1, 2, 3, 4, …, so no fixed block repeats. Its decimal expansion is non-terminating and non-recurring; hence it is irrational. Exam tip: a non-terminating decimal is rational only when it eventually repeats.