Introduction to Real Numbers

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Classify a real number as a natural, whole, integer, rational, or irrational number.
  • Perform calculations using order of operations.
  • Use the following properties of real numbers: commutative, associative, distributive, inverse, and identity.
  • Evaluate algebraic expressions.
  • Simplify algebraic expressions.

 

Because of the evolution of the number system, we can now perform complex calculations using several categories of real numbers. In this section, we will explore sets of numbers, perform calculations with different kinds of numbers, and begin to learn about the use of numbers in algebraic expressions.