Real numbers are the group of Rational and Irrational Numbers. We use the following symbol to represent real numbers.



Check out the table showing a breakdown of the different groups of Real Numbers.



So real numbers include examples like....

Rational numbers like: -14.6, -6, 0, , 13, 45, 1004 1/2, or even 12,945.33333333.....

Irrational numbers like: ,

Mathematicians named the group of real numbers so that we could group non-real numbers in a separate category from what are called real numbers. You have probably noticed that some of the real numbers include numbers that we use regularly in our calculations. For examples, we use fractions when baking and cooking, positive and negative numbers when working with checking accounts or spending, and decimals when timing runs in a race.

Here are some numbers that are not real to give you an idea of what is not in this group.

Examples of non-real numbers: 4i + 7

We can show any real number on a continuous number line. So if you are given a real number, you should be able to plot that point on a number line and then use this number line to compare the values of several real numbers.

Related Links: Math Algebra Real Numbers Operations with Real Numbers Worksheets

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