Numbers Between Rational Numbers Discussion
Math 8 Q1 (Pre-Algebra) / The Number System
In your journal, you identified careers that involve irrational numbers. You brainstormed or researched jobs that use pi or Euler’s number to do their work.
Imagine that your friend loves to plan parties, and he wants to be an event planner someday. He does not think he needs to know how to find a number between two rational numbers. He also says he will never use pi again in his life after math class. You think of some of the tasks he might need to do as an event planner:
Choose a round table that is the correct size to fit six people.
As an event planner, your friend would need to consider the size of the round table to fit six people. This task involves finding a number between two rational numbers, as the table must be large enough to comfortably accommodate six individuals.
To determine the size of the table, your friend would need to consider the amount of space required per person. For example, if each person needs about 2 feet of space, the table should ideally have a diameter of at least 12 feet.
To find a number between two rational numbers in this case, your friend could consider rounding up the value to ensure there is enough space. For instance, if the optimal table size is calculated to be 11.5 feet in diameter, your friend might choose a table with a diameter of 12 feet to provide a bit of extra space for comfort.
Therefore, even though your friend may not think he needs to know how to find a number between two rational numbers, this skill is essential for making informed decisions as an event planner.
As an event planner, your friend may need to choose a round table that is the correct size to fit six people. While this task may not directly involve irrational numbers like pi or Euler's number, understanding how to find a number between two rational numbers can still be useful in making informed decisions.
To find a number between two rational numbers, you can use a process called averaging. First, determine the difference between the two given numbers. Then, divide this difference by any number to get a fraction. Finally, add this fraction to one of the given numbers to find a number between them.
Let's say your friend needs to choose a round table that accommodates six people, and they have two options: a table with a diameter of 4 feet and another with a diameter of 6 feet. To find a table size between these two options, your friend can follow these steps:
1. Calculate the difference between the two diameters: 6 feet - 4 feet = 2 feet.
2. Divide this difference by any number to get a fraction. Let's divide it by 2 for simplicity: 2 feet / 2 = 1 foot.
3. Add this fraction to one of the given diameters. Let's add it to the smaller diameter of 4 feet: 4 feet + 1 foot = 5 feet.
Therefore, your friend could choose a round table with a diameter of 5 feet to accommodate six people, serving as a reasonable size between the initial given options. Understanding how to find a number between rational numbers can help your friend make precise decisions and ensure that the round table chosen is suitable for the number of guests.