What Are Real Numbers?

Real numbers include all the numbers you can find on a number line. This includes positive numbers, negative numbers, zero, fractions, and decimals. They are called "real" to distinguish them from imaginary numbers.

Types of Real Numbers

• Natural Numbers: \(1, 2, 3, \ldots\)
• Whole Numbers: \(0, 1, 2, 3, \ldots\)
• Integers: \(\ldots, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, \ldots\)
• Rational Numbers: Numbers that can be written as a fraction, like \(\frac{3}{4}\) or \(0.75\).
• Irrational Numbers: Numbers that cannot be written as fractions, like \(\pi\) and \(\sqrt{2}\).

Visualizing on the Number Line

Every real number has a unique place on the number line. This helps us compare, add, subtract, and understand relationships between numbers.

Why Do Real Numbers Matter?

Real numbers are used everywhere: when you measure your height, track temperature, or count your savings. They form the basics of all higher math!

Fun Fact

Between any two real numbers, there are infinitely many other real numbers—no matter how close together they seem.