Question

Add, the pair of rational numbers, given below, and show that their addition (sum) is also a rational number

`(-5)/8 " and " 3/8`

Answer 1

`(-5)/8 " and " 3/8`

= `(-5)/8 + 3/8`

(Denominators are same, LCM = 8)

= `(-5 + 3)/8`

= `(-2)/8 = (-1)/4`

Which is rational number

Answer 2

Given Rational Numbers:

`(-5)/8 " and " 3/8`

Step 1: Add the two fractions

Since the denominators are the same (8), we can directly add the numerators:

`(-5)/8 + 3/8 = (-5+3)/8 = -2/8`

Step 2: Simplify the fraction

`(-2)/8 = (-1)/4`

Step 3: Verify that the sum is a rational number

• A rational number is any number that can be expressed in the form `p/q`​, where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0.
• The result `(-1)/4` satisfies this definition −1 and 4 are integers, and 4 ≠ 0.

The sum of `(-5)/8`​ and `3/8` is `(-1)/4`​, which is also a rational number.