CBSE CLASS 9 - MATHEMATICS

CHAPTER 1: NUMBER SYSTEM

ASSIGNMENT

SECTION A: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(1 mark each)

1. Is zero a rational number? Justify your answer.

13
2. State whether 3125
will have terminating or non-terminating decimal representation.
p
3. Express 0.3 in the form q
where p and q are integers and q ̸= 0.

4. Find a rational number between 13 and 21 .

√ √
5. Simplify: 32 + 48
√ √
6. Is 2 + 3 a rational or irrational number?
7. Write the decimal expansion of 78 .
√
8. Express 3 as a decimal up to 4 decimal places.
√
9. State whether 12 is rational or irrational.
√
10. Find the value of 121 × 169.
p
11. Express 2.47 in q
form.
√ √
12. Insert a rational number between 2 and 3.
√ √
13. Simplify: 27 − 12
14. Is π a rational number? Give reason.
√
15. Write the value of 0.0016.
16. Express 0.123 in the form pq .
p√
17. Find the value of 256.
18. Is the number 0.101001000100001... rational or irrational?
√ √
19. Simplify: 18 × 2
20. Write three irrational numbers between 1 and 2.
√ √
21. Express 32 in the form a b where a and b are integers.
√
22. Find the value of ( 2)2 .
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(2 marks each)

23. Show that 0.235 = 233

990
.
√
24. Prove that 5 is irrational.
25. Rationalize the denominator of √ 1√ .
5+ 3

26. Find two irrational numbers between 0.12 and 0.13.

3
27. Express in decimal form and state what kind of decimal expansion it has.
13
√ √ √
28. Simplify: 45 − 3 20 + 4 5
√
29. Show that 3 + 2 5 is irrational.
√
5+2√3
√
30. Find the value of a and b if 7+4 3
= a + b 3.
√ √
31. Prove that 3 + 5 is irrational.
1
32. Insert two rational numbers between 3
and 12 .
√ √ √ √
33. Simplify: ( 3 + 7)( 3 − 7)
34. Express 0.142857 as a fraction in simplest form.
√
7+√5
√
7−√5
√
35. Find the values of m and n if 7− 5
− 7+ 5
= m + n 5.
√
36. Rationalize: √2 3√
3 5−2 3

SECTION C: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

(3 marks each)
√ √
37. Prove that 2 is irrational. Hence show that 5 + 3 2 is also irrational.
38. Express 0.99999... in the form pq . Are you surprised by your answer? Discuss why the
answer makes sense.
√
39. If x = 2 + 3, find the value of x2 + x12 .
√ √ √ √
40. Rationalize the denominator and simplify: √3−√2 − √3+√2
3+ 2 3− 2
√
a
41. Show that √12 can be written in the form b
where a and b are integers. Hence, prove that
√1 is irrational.
2

42. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational with justification:

√
(a) 4
√
(b) 12
√
(c) √12
3
(d) √1
12

2
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

SECTION D: CASE STUDY QUESTIONS

(4 marks each)

43. Case Study 1: Architecture and Golden Ratio

√
In ancient architecture, the golden ratio ϕ = 1+2 5 was considered aesthetically pleas-
ing. This ratio appears in the Parthenon and many other classical buildings.
A modern architect is designing a rectangular garden where the ratio of length to
width should be the golden ratio. If the width is 10 meters:

(a) Calculate the length of the garden (in exact form). (1 mark)
(b) Express the golden ratio as a decimal approximation up to 4 decimal places. (1
mark)
(c) Prove that the golden ratio ϕ is irrational. (1 mark)
√
(d) If the architect increases both dimensions by 2 meters, find the new ratio of
length to width in simplified form. (1 mark)

44. Case Study 2: Music and Mathematics

In music theory, the frequency ratio between notes determines harmony. The ratio
3
2
represents a perfect fifth, and 43 represents a perfect fourth. These are rational
numbers that create pleasing sounds.
A music student is studying the relationship between frequencies:

(a) If the base frequency is 440 Hz (A note), find the frequency of the perfect fifth
above it. (1 mark)
√
3√2
(b) Express the ratio 2 3
in simplified form. (1 mark)
√ √
(c) Show that the ratio 12 (which represents an octave divided by 2) is irrational.
(1 mark)
√ √
(d) If two frequencies are in the ratio 3 : 2, and the lower frequency is 200 Hz,
find the higher frequency in exact form. (1 mark)

45. Case Study 3: Population Growth Model

A city’s population follows a mathematical model. The
√ current population is 100,000.
8
The growth factor over 10 years is modeled by 1 + 4 .
√ √
8 a b
(a) Simplify the growth factor 1 + 4
in the form 1 + c
where b has no perfect
square factors. (1 mark)
(b) Calculate the population after 10 years (leave in exact form). (1 mark)
(c) Express the growth factor as a decimal approximation to 3 decimal places. (1
mark)
(d) If the actual population after 10 years is found to be exactly 150,000, find the
error in the model as a percentage. (1 mark)

3
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

ANSWER KEY

SECTION A: VERY SHORT ANSWERS

0
1. Yes, zero is a rational number because it can be expressed as 1
where both numerator
and denominator are integers and denominator is non-zero.

13
2. 3125
= 13
55
. Since denominator has only 5 as prime factor, it will have terminating
decimal representation.

3 1
3. Let x = 0.3 = 0.333... 10x = 3.333... 10x − x = 3 9x = 3 x = 9
= 3

1 2 1 3 5
4. 3
= 6
and 2
= 6
Rational number between them: 12
(or any equivalent)

√ √ √ √ √ √
5. 32 + 48 = 4 2 + 4 3 = 4( 2 + 3)

6. Irrational, because sum of two irrational numbers is generally irrational.

7
7. 8
= 0.875

√
8. 3 ≈ 1.7321

√ √ √
9. 12 = 2 3 is irrational because 3 is irrational.

√ √ √
10. 121 × 169 = 121 × 169 = 11 × 13 = 143

245
11. Let x = 2.47 = 2.474747... 100x = 247.474747... 100x − x = 245 99x = 245 x = 99

√ √ 3
12. 2 ≈ 1.414 and 3 ≈ 1.732 Rational number: 1.5 or 2

√ √ √ √ √
13. 27 − 12 = 3 3 − 2 3 = 3

p
14. No, π is irrational because it cannot be expressed as q
where p and q are integers.

√
15. 0.0016 = 0.04

122
16. Let x = 0.123 = 0.12323... 1000x = 123.2323... 10x = 1.2323... 990x = 122 x = 990
=
61
495

p√ √
17. 256 = 16 = 4

4
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

18. Irrational, as it has a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansion.

√ √ √
19. 18 × 2 = 36 = 6

√ √ √
20. 2 ≈ 1.414, 3 ≈ 1.732, 5 ≈ 1.236 (any three)

√ √ √
21. 32 = 16 × 2 = 4 2

√
22. ( 2)2 = 2

SECTION B: SHORT ANSWERS

23. Let x = 0.235 = 0.235353... 100x = 23.535353... 10000x = 2353.535353... 9900x = 2330
x = 2330
9900
= 233
990

√ √ 2
24. Assume 5 is rational. Then 5 = pq where p, q are coprime integers. 5 = pq2 , so
5q 2 = p2 This means 5 divides p2 , so 5 divides p. Let p = 5k. Then 5q 2 = 25k 2 , so
q 2 = 5k 2 This means 5 divides q 2 , so 5 divides√q. Both p and q are divisible by 5,
contradicting that they are coprime. Therefore, 5 is irrational.

√ √ √ √ √ √
25. √ 1√ = √ 1√ × √5−√3 = 5− 3
= 5− 3
5+ 3 5+ 3 5− 3 5−3 2

√ √ √ √
26. Two irrational numbers: 0.12 2 and 0.12 3 (since 2 ≈ 1.414 and 3 ≈ 1.732, these
fall in the required range)

3
27. 13
= 0.230769 (non-terminating, repeating decimal)

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
28. 45 − 3 20 + 4 5 = 3 5 − 3(2 5) + 4 5 = 3 5 − 6 5 + 4 5 = 5

√ √
29. Assume
√ 3 + 2 5√is rational. Then 3 + 2 5 = r for some rational r. This gives √
2 5 = r − 3, so 5 = r−3 . Since r and 3 are rational, r−3
is rational, making 5
√ 2 2 √
rational. But 5 is irrational (contradiction). Therefore, 3 + 2 5 is irrational.

√
5+2√3
√
7−4√3
√ √
(5+2 3)(7−4 3)
√ √
35−20 3+14 3−24
√
30. 7+4 3
× 7−4 3
= 49−48
= 1
= 11 − 6 3 So a = 11, b = −6

√ √ √ √ √ √
Assume 3+ 5 is rational =√r. Then ( 3+ 5)2 = r2 3+2 15+5 = r2 2 √15 = √
31. √ r2 −8
r2 −8
15 = 2 (rational) But 15 is irrational (contradiction). Therefore, 3 + 5 is
irrational.

1 2 1 3 5 7
32. 3
= 6
and 2
= 6
Two rational numbers: 12
and 18

5
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

√ √ √ √ √ √
33. ( 3 + 7)( 3 − 7) = ( 3)2 − ( 7)2 = 3 − 7 = −4

34. Let x = 0.142857 1000000x = 142857.142857 1000000x−x = 142857 999999x = 142857

142857
x = 999999 = 17

√ √ √ √ √
7+√5 (7+ 5)2
7+√5 49+14 5+5 54+14 5
35. 7− 5
× 49−5
7+ 5
= = 44
= 44
√ √ √ 2 √
7−√5
7+ 5
× = (7−
7−√5
49−5
7− 5
5)
= 54−14
44
5

√ √ √ √
Difference = 54+14
44
5
− 54−14 5
44
= 28 5
44
= 7 5
11
7
So m = 0, n = 11

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
2 3(3 5+2 3)
36. √2 3√ × 3√5+2√3
= = 6 15+12
= 2 15+4
3 5−2 3 3 5+2 3 45−12 33 11

SECTION C: LONG ANSWERS

√ √
37. Proof of 2 √ is irrational: (Standard
√ contradiction proof)
√ Assume 5 + 3 2 is rational
= r. Then 3 2 = r − 5, so 2 = r−5 (rational). But 2 is irrational (contradiction).
√ 3
Therefore, 5 + 3 2 is irrational.

38. Let x = 0.99999... = 0.9 10x = 9.99999... 10x − x = 9 9x = 9 x = 1 This shows that
0.9 = 1. This makes sense because they represent the same number on the number
line.

√ √ √ √ √ √
39. x = 2 + 3 x2 = (2 + 3)2 = 4 + 4 3 + 3 = 7 + 4 3 x1 = 2+1√3 = (2+√2− 3√
= 2− 3
=
√ 1 √ 2 √ √ 2 1
√ 3)(2− 3) √ 4−3
2 − 3 x2 = (2 − 3) = 4 − 4 3 + 3 = 7 − 4 3 x + x2 = 7 + 4 3 + 7 − 4 3 = 14

√ √ √ √ √
√ √
( 3− 2)2
√
40. √3−√2 × √3−√2 =3−2 6+2=5−2 6
=
3+ 2 3− 2 3−2
√ √ √ √ √
√ √ 2
( 3+ 2)
√3+√2 × =√3+√2 =5+2 6
3− 2 3+ 2 3−2
√ √ √
Result: (5 − 2 6) − (5 + 2 6) = −4 6

√ √ √ √
41. √1
2
= √12 × √22 = 22 So a = 2, b = 2 in the form ba . Since 2 is irrational and dividing
an irrational number by a rational number gives an irrational result, √12 is irrational.

√ √ √ √ √
42. (a) 4 = 2 (Rational) (b) 12 = 2 3 (Irrational, since 3 is irrational) (c) √12 =
3
q √ √
12
3
= 4 = 2 (Rational) (d) √112 = 2√1 3 = 63 (Irrational)

SECTION D: CASE STUDY ANSWERS

6
CBSE Class 9 - Number System Assignment

43. Case Study 1: Architecture and Golden Ratio

√ √ √
(a) Length = 10 × 1+2 5 = 5(1 + 5) = 5 + 5 5 meters
√
1+ 5 1+2.236
(b) ϕ = 2
≈2
= 1.618 (to 4 decimal places)
√ √
(c) Assume ϕ = 1+2 5 is rational. Then 1+2 5 = pq for coprime integers p, q. This gives
√ √ √
1 + 5 = 2pq
So 5 = 2pq
− 1 = 2p−q
q
(rational) But 5 is irrational (contradiction).
Therefore, ϕ is irrational.
√ √ √ √ √
5+5 5+
(d) New length = 5 + 5 5 + 2, New width = 10 + 2 New ratio = √ 2
10+ 2

44. Case Study 2: Music and Mathematics

3
(a) Frequency of perfect fifth = 440 × 2
= 660 Hz
√ √ √ √ √
3√2 3√2 √3 = 3 6 = 6
(b) 2 3
= 2 3
× 3 6 2
√
2
√ √ p
(c) 1
= 2 is irrational because 2 cannot be expressed as q
where p, q are integers.
√ √ √ √ √
(d) Higher frequency = 200 × √32 = 200 × √3
2
× √2
2
= 200 × 2
6
= 100 6 Hz

45. Case Study 3: Population Growth Model

√ √ √
8 2 2
(a) Growth factor = 1 + 4
=1+ = 1 + 22
4
 √  √
(b) Population after 10 years = 100000 × 1 + 22 = 100000 + 50000 2
√
2 1.414
(c) Growth factor = 1 + 2
=1+ 2
= 1 + 0.707 = 1.707 (to 3 decimal places)
(d) Model prediction = 100000 × 1.707 = 170700 Actual population = 150000 Error =
170700−150000 20700
150000
× 100% = 150000 × 100% = 13.8%