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A unit square stands on the number line at 0 to 1. Its diagonal from 0 is swung down (dashed arc) to meet the line at P. Which statement is true?

Class 10Real NumbersNumber Systems
  • AP is at 2, because the diagonal is 1 + 1
  • BP is at 1.5, a rational number
  • CP is at √2, an irrational number
  • DP is at √2, a rational number equal to 1.414

Step-by-Step Solution

By Pythagoras the diagonal is , so is irrational: its decimal never ends or repeats; 1.414 is only an approximation.
Answer: C) P is at √2, an irrational number

Key idea: Sum/product of rational and irrational

**Useful results**:

1. The sum or difference of a rational and an irrational is IRRATIONAL.
Proof: if (rational + irrational) = rational, then irrational = rational − rational = rational. Contradiction.

2. The product of a NON-ZERO rational and an irrational is IRRATIONAL.

3. The sum/product of two irrationals can be RATIONAL or IRRATIONAL.
Example: (irrational); (rational).
Example: (rational); (irrational).

These are the rules you cite when proving expressions like ' is irrational'.

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