2024 ATI TEAS 7 Math Order of Operations, Rational vs Irrational Numbers (Practice Questions)
Nurse Cheung・2 minutes read
The session emphasizes the order of operations with rational numbers using PEMDAS and demonstrates how to solve equations step-by-step to reach correct answers. It also covers the comparison of rational numbers through conversion to decimals, highlighting methods to arrange and verify inequalities.
Insights
- The session highlights the importance of the order of operations in arithmetic with rational numbers, using the acronym PEMDAS to guide calculations. This structured approach ensures that operations are performed in the correct sequence, as illustrated through step-by-step examples that lead to accurate results, reinforcing the concept's necessity for solving complex equations.
- Rational numbers, defined as the ratio of two integers, can be expressed in various forms, including fractions and decimals. The text emphasizes that even repeating decimals are rational, while contrasting them with irrational numbers, which cannot be represented as such. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively comparing and ordering rational numbers on a number line.
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Recent questions
What are rational numbers?
Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. This means any number that can be written in the form of a fraction, such as 1/2 or -3/4, qualifies as a rational number. Additionally, whole numbers like 1 can be represented as 1/1, and decimals like 3.75 can be converted into fractions, such as 375/100 or 15/4. Even repeating decimals, such as 0.333..., are rational because they can be expressed as fractions. In contrast, irrational numbers, like π or √2, cannot be represented as a ratio of integers and have non-terminating, non-repeating decimal expansions.
How do you compare rational numbers?
Comparing rational numbers involves converting them into decimals for easier placement on a number line, which helps in ordering them from smallest to largest. One effective method is the stacking method, where numbers are aligned vertically based on their decimal points, making it simpler to see which values are greater or lesser. When comparing negative numbers, remember that the further a number is from zero, the more negative it is; for example, -1.5 is less than 0.75. For positive numbers, simply examine their decimal values; for instance, 1.75 is greater than both 0.5 and 0.6. Practicing the arrangement of rational numbers from least to greatest can enhance understanding of their relationships.
What is the order of operations?
The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to ensure accurate results. The acronym PEMDAS is commonly used to remember this order: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). When solving an equation, start by addressing any operations within parentheses, followed by exponents. After that, perform multiplication and division as they appear from left to right, and finally, carry out addition and subtraction. This systematic approach is crucial for obtaining the correct answer in complex calculations.
How do you solve equations using PEMDAS?
To solve equations using PEMDAS, you must follow the order of operations step-by-step. Begin with any calculations inside parentheses, then move on to exponents. After that, perform multiplication and division from left to right, followed by addition and subtraction. For example, in the equation 4 + (3 * 2 - 8 / 2), you first solve the expression in parentheses, which simplifies to 3 * 2 - 4, resulting in 2. Then, you add this to 4, yielding a final answer of 6. Another example, 15 + (3 + 2)^2 - 9 * 6 + 2^3, requires careful attention to the order, ultimately leading to a result of -6 after all operations are completed correctly.
What is the alligator analogy in math?
The alligator analogy is a helpful visual tool used to compare numbers, particularly in understanding greater than and less than relationships. In this analogy, the "mouth" of the alligator is always open towards the larger number, symbolizing that the alligator "wants" to eat the bigger value. For instance, if you are comparing 3 and 5, the alligator's mouth would point towards 5, indicating that 3 is less than 5. This analogy can be particularly useful when dealing with inequalities, as it reinforces the concept of comparing values. By using this method, students can more easily grasp the relationships between different numbers and improve their understanding of mathematical comparisons.
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Summary
00:00
Understanding Rational Numbers and Order of Operations
- The session focuses on arithmetic with rational numbers, emphasizing the order of operations using the acronym PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.
- Begin calculations by addressing operations within parentheses, followed by exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, and finally addition and subtraction.
- An example equation, 4 + (3 * 2 - 8 / 2), is solved step-by-step, resulting in the final answer of 6 after following the order of operations.
- Another example, 15 + (3 + 2)^2 - 9 * 6 + 2^3, is solved, yielding -6 after performing operations in the correct sequence.
- Practice question: Calculate 5 * (2 + 3 - 4^2 + 6), which simplifies to 15 after following PEMDAS correctly.
- Rational numbers can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, with the denominator not equal to zero; examples include 1 (1/1) and -7 (-7/1).
- The number 3.75 can be expressed as a fraction, such as 375/100 or 15/4, demonstrating how decimals can be converted to rational numbers.
- Repeating decimals, like 0.333..., can also be represented as fractions, indicating that any repeating decimal is a rational number.
- Irrational numbers, such as π and √2, cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers and have non-terminating, non-repeating decimal expansions.
- To compare rational numbers, convert fractions to decimals for easier placement on a number line, facilitating the ordering from smallest to largest.
14:21
Ordering Numbers Using Stacking Method
- Use the stacking method to order numbers by aligning them vertically based on their decimal points for easier comparison of values.
- Start with negative numbers, noting that the further from zero, the more negative the number becomes; for example, -1.5 is less than 0.75.
- Compare positive numbers by examining their decimal values; for instance, 1.75 is greater than both 0.5 and 0.6.
- Practice arranging rational numbers from least to greatest, such as placing -34, 0.5, 2/3 (0.6), and 1.2 in order.
- Remember the alligator analogy for comparing numbers: the "mouth" of the alligator points to the larger number, indicating greater than or less than relationships.
- Verify statements about number comparisons, such as confirming that 34s (0.75) is not greater than 0.75, which is essential for understanding inequalities.




