Study for the Praxis Elementary Education Mathmatics test (5003). Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and detailed explanations to prepare you to excel on exam day!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an irrational number?

An irrational number is defined as a number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction or as a ratio of two integers. These numbers have non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansions. The square root of 2 (√2) is an example of an irrational number because it cannot be written as a fraction and its decimal form is approximately 1.41421356..., which continues infinitely without repeating. In contrast, the other options represent different types of numbers. The fraction 3/4 is a ration number because it can be expressed as the ratio of the integers 3 and 4. The decimal 0.25 is also a rational number because it can be expressed as the fraction 1/4. Finally, -2 is a rational number as it can be expressed as -2/1, showing it is also the ratio of two integers. Thus, the only irrational number among the choices is √2.

An irrational number is defined as a number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction or as a ratio of two integers. These numbers have non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansions. The square root of 2 (√2) is an example of an irrational number because it cannot be written as a fraction and its decimal form is approximately 1.41421356..., which continues infinitely without repeating.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of numbers. The fraction 3/4 is a ration number because it can be expressed as the ratio of the integers 3 and 4. The decimal 0.25 is also a rational number because it can be expressed as the fraction 1/4. Finally, -2 is a rational number as it can be expressed as -2/1, showing it is also the ratio of two integers. Thus, the only irrational number among the choices is √2.