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Math
A |
Irrational Approximations |
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An
irrational number is a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal.
It’s decimal representation, is an approximation
of its value. Irrational numbers are
rounded when written in decimal form.
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can take advantage of the square root
key |
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a calculator to find approximations for some irrational
numbers.
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Example:
=
2.236067977……..
Since it is impossible to write out the entire decimal
(since it never ends) we may approximate
to
be 2.2 or 2.24 or 2.236, etc., depending upon the rounding
directions given in the problem.
If no specific rounding directions are given in
a problem, work with the full calculator display, or work with the
number in its original form (in this example, work with
.)
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You
should always work with the "full" value of a number (such as
),
or the full calculator display of the number, in a multi-step problem, saving
the final rounding for the
last step. Don't round too soon!
**** If using a calculator, work with the full
calculator entries until you are ready to round your final
answer. |
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