Study Notes
Set notation is used to describe collections of numbers with specific properties.
- Natural Numbers — numbers used for counting. Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Prime Numbers — numbers with only two factors: 1 and themselves. Example: 2, 3, 5, 7
- Square Numbers — numbers that are the product of a number multiplied by itself. Example: 1, 4, 9, 16
- Integers — whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. Example: -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2
- Rational Numbers — numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers. Example: -13/4, 1/8, 2/3
- Irrational Numbers — numbers that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction. Example: π, √2
- Real Numbers — all numbers on the number line, including rational and irrational numbers. Example: -5, 0, 1, π, √2
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Natural Numbers: numbers used for counting
- Prime Numbers: numbers with only two factors
- Square Numbers: product of a number multiplied by itself
- Integers: whole numbers, positive or negative, including zero
- Rational Numbers: numbers expressible as a fraction
- Irrational Numbers: numbers not expressible as a simple fraction
- Real Numbers: all numbers on the number line
Common Confusions
- Confusing prime numbers with composite numbers
- Misidentifying irrational numbers as rational
Typical Exam Questions
- What are natural numbers? Numbers used for counting
- Give an example of a prime number. 5
- What is a square number? A number that is the product of a number multiplied by itself
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of different sets of numbers
- Ability to identify examples of each set
- Distinguishing between rational and irrational numbers