A real number is a number that includes both rational and irrational numbers. It is a quantity that can be expressed as a decimal or a fraction, either terminating or repeating. Real numbers can be positive, negative, or zero, and they can be represented on a number line. Examples of real numbers include integers like -2, fractions like 1/2, and irrational numbers like √2 or π. Real numbers are used in various mathematical operations and are essential in different fields of study, such as algebra, calculus, and physics.
