Rational Numbers
Definition
Definition
Rational numbers (represented by the letter Q for Quotient) are numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers.
Rational numbers (represented by the letter Q for Quotient) are numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers.
History
History
The early Egyptians were already working with fractions as dated in the Rhind Papyrus (~1550 BC).
The early Egyptians were already working with fractions as dated in the Rhind Papyrus (~1550 BC).
Back in ancient Egypt, workers were paid in necessities (Eg. bread, grain, cloth etc) and payment was distributed in ratios for varying seniority (like today). Math problems involving working out the amount of bread owed to workers can be found in this papyrus.
Back in ancient Egypt, workers were paid in necessities (Eg. bread, grain, cloth etc) and payment was distributed in ratios for varying seniority (like today). Math problems involving working out the amount of bread owed to workers can be found in this papyrus.
