Module 9 Rational Numbers

As you move deeper into your understanding of mathematics, this module on rational numbers builds on your prior knowledge of whole numbers and integers.

In this module, you will dive into the world of rational numbers—numbers that can be written as a fraction of two integers. You will explore how fractions, decimals, and negative numbers all fit into this category. You will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, as well as how to work fluently with decimals in various contexts. You will emphasize not only how to perform operations but also the reasoning behind them.

Why does this matter? Rational numbers are everywhere—in money, measurement, cooking, sports statistics, and more. This module encourages you to think, with flexibility, about numbers. To make meaningful connections between different forms and operations and grow more confident in their number sense. It is not just about getting answer. It is also about understanding how numbers work together and to use that understanding in order to make informed decisions in everyday life.

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Recognize and represent rational numbers in different forms, including fractions and decimals.
2. Understand place value in decimals to compare, order, and reason about rational numbers.
3. Compare and order fractions and decimals using various strategies.
4. Perform all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with fractions and decimals, and explain the reasoning behind each.
5. Convert between fractions and decimals, including both terminating and repeating decimals.
6. Apply rational number operations to solve real-life problems and use estimation and number sense to evaluate reasonableness.
7. Be able to connect the current Louisiana Student Standards and NCTM standards to course content.

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the sections below and work the embedded exercises within them.
2. Complete MyOpenMath homework for this module.
3. Complete the discussion forum for this module.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities