Which of the following is an irrational number: −15/29

, 0.343434..., 2√/3
, or 87.9821?

1 answer

An irrational number is a number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, meaning it cannot be written in the form \( \frac{a}{b} \) where \( a \) and \( b \) are integers and \( b \neq 0 \).

Let's analyze each option:

  1. −15/29: This is a rational number because it can be expressed as a fraction of two integers.

  2. 0.343434...: This is a repeating decimal (specifically \( 0.\overline{34} \)), and it can also be expressed as a fraction. Therefore, it is rational.

  3. \( 2\sqrt{3} \): The square root of 3 is an irrational number (it cannot be expressed as a fraction). Multiplying it by 2 still results in an irrational number. Thus, \( 2\sqrt{3} \) is irrational.

  4. 87.9821: This is a decimal and can be expressed as a fraction (\( \frac{879821}{10000} \)). Therefore, it is a rational number.

From this analysis, the only irrational number among the options provided is:

\( 2\sqrt{3} \).