Rational Definition and 628 Threads

Rationality is the quality or state of being rational – that is, being based on or agreeable to reason. Rationality implies the conformity of one's beliefs with one's reasons to believe, and of one's actions with one's reasons for action. "Rationality" has different specialized meanings in philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology, evolutionary biology, game theory and political science.

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  1. H

    Connectedness of coordinates with one rational point

    Hi all, i found this problem in a topology book, but it seems to be of an analysis flavour. I'm stumped. Show that the collection of all points in R^2 such that at least one of the coordinated is rational is connected. My gut says that it should be path-connected too (thus connected), but...
  2. L

    Radicals-getting a rational denominator

    So one of my problems is the square root of 768/square root of 384. I tried multiplying it by the square root of 384/square root of 384, but i ended up with a crazy answer. Should I simply the radicals first and then try it?...never mind, I divide radical 768/radical 384 to get radical 2, right...
  3. S

    Integration of Rational Function - problem

    Homework Statement Here's the question: int(1/(x(x^2+3)*sqrt(1-x^2)))dx Homework Equations According to the textbook, the answer should be: (1/3)*ln((1-sqrt(1-x^2))/x)+(1/12)*ln((2+sqrt(1-x^2))/(x^2+3))+C The Attempt at a Solution 1) let t = sqrt(1-x^2), so dt = (-x)/sqrt(1-x^2)...
  4. M

    How do you find the equation of a rational function?

    Homework Statement I have a picture of a rational function and I need help finding out the equation of the function. Homework Equations Vertical Asymptote/ (Bx+C) The Attempt at a Solution I know I have to find X and Y intercepts, which is what I did. But how do I find the...
  5. T

    Prove that of sum square root of 2 and square root of 3 is not rational

    prove that the square root of 2 plus the square root of 3 is not rational? does always the sum of two not rational numbers is a not rational number? i know the proof 2 = a^2/b^2 i separately proved that square root of 2 and square root of 3 are irrational how two prove that the sum...
  6. J

    Nested sequences of rational intervals

    My textbook says the following: For a closed interval J_n = [a_n, b_n] "A nested sequence of rational intervals give rise to a separation of all rational numbers into three classes (A so-called Dedekind Cut). The first class consists of the rational numbers r lying to the left of the...
  7. A

    The topology of rational numbers: connected sets

    Consider the set of rational numbers, under the usual metric d(x,y)=|x-y| I am pretty sure that this space is totally disconnected, but I can't convince myself that the set {x} U {y} is a disconnected set. It seems obvious, but I can't find two non-empty disjoint open sets U,V such that U...
  8. N

    Between a rational and a irrational

    Hello. Between a rational and a irrational is there a rational? and a irrational? and vice-versa? I know that between 2 rationals there is a rational and a irrational and that between 2 irrationals there is a rational and a irrational, but i cannot figure this out... please help. Thanks.
  9. A

    Derivatives of Rational Powers

    Hello! I've been solving a few of these problems but I'm stuck on this one, trying to simplify one of the steps. Homework Statement Find dy/dx of: y = x(x^2 +1)^1/2 Attempt at a solution y1 = x (1/2)(x^2 + 1)^-1/2 * (2x) + (x^2 +1)^1/2 * 1 I get the the equation above but I have...
  10. H

    Proving an irrational to an irrational is rational

    Homework Statement prove that it is possible that an irrational number raised to another irrational, can be rational. you are given root2 to root2 to root2 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution i have shown that root2 to root2 to root2 is rational, but would appreciate a...
  11. P

    How do you add Rational Expressions when youre in University Math?

    Cross multiply ... and then multiply by the common denominator... how do you do it do you do it in your head..by cross multiplying or the other way It seems like cross multiplying is less formal ...and I don't know if its 'right' to take the shortcut --since you have to do this...
  12. R

    Proving that sum of Rational #s is Rational

    1. Let a and b be rational numbers. Prove or provide counterexample that A) a+b is a rational number. B) Is ab necessarily a rational number? 2. How can you prove that the sume of two rational number is rational? Well I am not really good at math 3. This is what I've tryed to...
  13. M

    Integrating the rational fractions

    please... i need a help in integrating the partial fractions i can't proceed to the integration part if i don't understand the patter in finding the constant... that is... if the given is: ʃ ( (x^5+1) / ((x^3)(x+1)) )dx then; ʃ ( x-2 + ( 4x^3+1 ) / ( x^4 + 2x^3) ) ʃ ( x-2 + (...
  14. L

    Rational vs. Polynomial Functions

    In my calc class we are reviewing rational and polynomial functions before we start with the actual calculus part of the course. In my book we had 3 problems that we had to do for homework and none of my classmates could understand why the book answered them a certain way. Question: State...
  15. G

    Is x^{\sqrt{5}}=y for Rational Numbers?

    I've programmed an algorithm to numerically compute the logarithm of numbers in phinary base easily. I could avoid float multiplications if I can find a pair of rational numbers x and y such that x^{\sqrt{5}}=y Is it possible? Probably not, but I cannot prove it :(
  16. A

    Integration of Rational Functions by Partial Fractions

    Homework Statement ∫1/ x^3-1 dx, ok how would i do this Homework Equations ∫dx/ x^2+a^2= 1/a tan^-1 (x/a) +c i tried to simplify x^3-1 = (x+1)(x-1)(x+1)
  17. A

    Integration of Rational Functions by Partial Fractions

    Homework Statement ∫ 10/(x-1)(x^2+9) would i change this into 10/ (x-1) (x+3) (x+3) then= A/ x-1 + B/ X+3 + C/ x+3
  18. P

    Proving 0.3712437127... & 0.9999999... are Rational Numbers

    It can easily be shown that the recurring decimal x = 1.123123... is rational, as follows: 10^{3}x-x = 1123.123...-1.123123...=1122 => x = \frac{1122}{999} \in Q Show that the recurring decimals 0.3712437127... and 0.9999999...are rational numbers. 3. The Attempt at a Solution...
  19. I

    Intergration of Rational Functions (Multiple Qs)

    Evaluate the Integral: \int \frac {2x+1}{(x^{2}+9)^{2}} My attempt: \frac {2x+1}{(x^{2}+9)^{2}} = \frac {Ax+B}{x^{2}+9} + \frac {Cx+D}{(x^{2} + 9)^{2}} = (Ax+B)(x^{2} + 9)^{2} + (Cx+D)(x^{2} + 9) = Ax^{5} + Bx^{4} Dx^{3} + (18A + E)x^{2} + (81A+9D+18B)x + 9E + 81B I'm not sure what...
  20. R

    Solve Rational Expressions: x/20 = (3/8)-(4/5)

    1. x/20 = (3/8)-(4/5) 2. solve 3. My attempt as far as I can tell there is no LCM so 3/8 becomes 15/40 4/5 becomes 32/40 (15/40)-(32/40)= 17/40 which equals 8.5/20 which means x=8.5 For some reason I don't think I got the right answer?
  21. X

    Showing an equation has no rational roots

    I've been working through "A Course of Pure Mathematics" and there is one problem I'm really stuck on. I'm wondering if anyone could help me out. To avoid typing it all out, I here's a link...
  22. B

    Alg Geom: Rational curves with self-intersection -2

    Hi, this is a question to the members with some knowledge in algebraic geometry: 1. what are rational curves with self-intersection -2? How do they look like? 2. do you know why these correspond to the vertices of some of the Dynkin diagrams? 3. just something that's bothering me...
  23. K

    Is i Rational or Irrational? Decoding the Nature of Imaginary Numbers

    I've been thinkng about this one for a while. Is i rational or irrational. i is an imaginary number, so logically, it would be irrational. But \frac{-1}{i} = i so it has a fractional equivilant. But then, it doesn't have a real number decimal equivilant... So, what is it? Is i rational or...
  24. J

    Is there always at least one irrational number between any two rational numbers?

    and, consequently, infinitely many. I am new to proofs so could you please check if this proof is correct? Let x be an irrational number in the interval In = [an, bn], where an and bn are both rational numbers, in the form p/q. Let z be the distance between x and an, So: x - an = x...
  25. A

    Vector Spaces: Real Numbers Over Rational Numbers

    Please tell me one of the bases for the infinite dimenional vector space - R (the set of all real numbers) over Q (the set of all rational numbers). The vector addition, field addition and multiplication carry the usual meaning.
  26. S

    Algebra 2 Help: Rational Expressions

    Homework Statement I have volunteered to help a friend's son with his Algebra 2 (thinking - no problem, I've had Calc 1-3, differential equation, complex variables, probability / stats and so on. So I start to help and the first questions: Why aren't these rational expressions...
  27. P

    Rational Polynomials over a Field

    Homework Statement Suppose there are two polynomials over a field, f and g, and that gcd(f,g)=1. Consider the rational functions a(x)/f(x) and b(x)/g(x), where deg(a)<deg(f) and deg(b)<deg(g). Show that if a(x)/f(x)=b(x)/g(x) is only true if a(x)=b(x)=0. Homework Equations None The Attempt at...
  28. M

    Integrating Rational Functions with Complex Quadratics and Partial Fractions

    I want to integrate: 1/[(x + 1)*(x^2 + x +1)] dx Now the quadratic has complex routes, and we have not done any integration with that yet, so I broke it up into its partial fractions. A/(x +1) + (Bx + C)/(x^2 + x +1) But I cannot seem to find the numbers A B C. mamybe I am just...
  29. V

    What is the difference between rational and irrational numbers?

    Can someone pls help me on "rational and Irrational numbers". Esp. on Decimals. I can't classify if it is rational or irrational.
  30. S

    Find asymptotes for rational functions

    Homework Statement Find asymptotes for f(x) = (x^2 -1) / (x - 1). (if exist) Homework Equations g(x) is a (horizontal or oblique) asymptote if lim |f(x) - g(x)| = 0 (here, lim is to be limit as x goes to infinity. don't know how to type it) or if q(x)/p(x) = g(x) + r(x)/p(x)...
  31. P

    Rational expressions very simble, but hard for me

    \frac{5x-5y-bx+by}{5x-5y+bx-by} i can't cancel anything i can't factor anything please help
  32. K

    Prove that a cubic has no rational roots

    1) Prove that the acute angle whose cosine is 1/10 cannot be trisected with straightedge and compass. ... I worked it out and at the end found out that , if I can prove that the cubic polynomial 40x3 - 30x -1 has no rational roots, then I am done. Now, is there any way to prove (e.g...
  33. P

    Non-empty perfect set in R with no rational number

    Homework Statement Is there a non-empty perfect set that contains no rational number? Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution I thought the answer was no, but my professor said that there is. My reasoning is as follows (please let me know if I'm wrong here): If p is an...
  34. C

    Prove that the square root of 3 is not rational

    Homework Statement Show that the square root of 3 is not rational Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution A number is irrational if χ is not ε. Q=p/q: p, q ε z and q is not=0, z=integers If p/q: p, q is not ε or q=0, then square 3 is rational. If p=square root of 3 and q...
  35. K

    Need hands to the Rational Set

    I'm a new comer, even in Math. I need hands for this (simple, may be for most people) question: Can a subset of Rational Number Set be open (and closed)? If does, how can it be? If not,why? thks! Ka Yan:smile:
  36. M

    Multiplying Rational Expressions

    Homework Statement \frac{5(y-2)}{y+1} x \frac{y+1}{10} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Does this equal 5(y-2)(y+1)/10(y+1) ? Or are there no brackets on that first y+1 ?
  37. S

    Rational Functions' Asymptotes

    First Question If: f(x) = (x^2+1)/x Then: f(x) = x + (1/x) From my understanding, x would be the oblique/slant asymptote. Why is that? Second Question Why and how can horizontal asymptotes be crossed?
  38. D

    Factor the following over the set of rational numbers

    Homework Statement Factor the following over the set of rational numbers. Simplify if possible. cos³ x-1 I do not know how to deal with the cubic cosine. Help is greatly appreciated.
  39. E

    Exploring Positive Rational Solutions to x^y=y^x

    Homework Statement Determine all positive rational solutions of x^y=y^x.Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Obviously, x=y will always work. I think that is the only solution. If I can show that x^y must be rational, I think it will be easy because then both x and y must have the same...
  40. Y

    How Can I Evaluate This Integral of a Rational Function?

    i'm trapped with a problem: \int\frac{dx}{x\sqrt{2-x-x^2}}. i think this problem could be solved by subtitutions: \ x+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3}{2}sint and \ u=tan\frac{t}{2}. and finally we would get an expression in \ u: \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} log\left|\frac{2\sqrt{2}+u-3}{2\sqrt{2}-u+3}\right| (am...
  41. E

    Solving for Functions on Rational Numbers

    [SOLVED] functions on rational numbers Homework Statement Find all functions from Q to Q which satisfy the following two conditions: i)f(1)=2 ii)f(xy)=f(x)f(y)-f(x+y)+1 for all x,y in Q Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I can show by integers that if x is an...
  42. T

    Calculating Average Wait Time for a McDonald's Drive-Through Window

    Homework Statement Queuing Theory (study of lines for stores) says that for a drive through window at a Macdonalds, the function f(x)= 9/(x(x-9)) represents the average time in hours a customer will wait in line. X=average number of people an hour. How long will a customer have to...
  43. C

    Logical Rational for spooky-action @ at distance

    Hello, this question is for anyone who is kind enough to shed some light. I am not actually taking a physics class currently, but a philosophy of science course. One of the guest lecturers we've had this semester spoke on QM; EPR and Bells. My question is basically this, I am not doubting...
  44. S

    Finding Constants for Rational Functions with Specific Vertical Asymptotes

    Homework Statement Find two constants for 'a' and 'b' such that the verticle asymptote will be \pm \frac{3}{5} y=\frac{ax^2+7}{9-bx^2} I rearranged so that it becomes -bx^2+8 in the denominator since i know that there are two roots that are \pm it must be a square and since 3 is the...
  45. X

    Simple Graphing rational expressions question

    How do you find the point where the graph crosses the oblique asymptote?
  46. M

    I have trouble with Graphing rational functions, me,test is tomorrow

    I have trouble with Graphing rational functions, please help me,test is tomorrow I do not know how to use horizontal , vertical , oblique asymptotes to graph a rathional functions. like y=2x+3+3/x+1; y=x^2-4/x-4 thank you very much
  47. O

    The largest rational less than sqrt(10)

    How do I find the sup of rationals (p/q, where q is even) that is less than sqrt(10)? gcd(p,q)=1
  48. C

    Is an Infinite Sum of Rational Numbers Always Rational?

    if two rational numbers added together is still rational then wouldn't an infinite sume of rational numbers that converge also be rational and if that is the case then an irrational number is therefore rational which makes no sense though. i don't see where the flaw in this lies because it is...
  49. S

    Analysis Question - irrational and rational numbers - proof

    This isn't really a question about homework specifically, it's more just that I don't understand part of my chapter...I am just starting Principles of Mathematical Analysis by Ruben... Here is what I don't understand: It is proving that p^2 = 2 is not satisfied by any rational p. And it...
  50. B

    Proved that a nonempty set containing rational number is a group under multiplication

    Homework Statement Proved that the set of all rational numbers of the form 3^m *6^n are integers , is a group under multiplicationHomework Equations No equations for this particular proof The Attempt at a Solution Assume that all rational numbers are in the form 3^m *6^n . Therefor 3^m*6^n =...
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