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An '''irrational number''' is a number that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two [[integers]]. Irrational numbers together with [[rational numbers]] make up the set of [[real numbers]].
Irrational numbers often arise as solutions to problems involoving rational numbers. For example, the square root of 2 is irrational. Other irrationals, such as [[pi]], serve as fundamental constants in many mathematical problems.
Irrational numbers can never be expressed exactly using decimal notation. Instead it is common to write them using only enough significant digits to solve the problem at hand, followed by an ellipsis:
:pi equals 3.14159...
==See also==
[[Transcendental numbers]]
Irrational numbers often arise as solutions to problems involoving rational numbers. For example, the square root of 2 is irrational. Other irrationals, such as [[pi]], serve as fundamental constants in many mathematical problems.
Irrational numbers can never be expressed exactly using decimal notation. Instead it is common to write them using only enough significant digits to solve the problem at hand, followed by an ellipsis:
:pi equals 3.14159...
==See also==
[[Transcendental numbers]]