Rational numbers and irrational numbers are two different types of numbers. Let's break down what makes them unique.

1. What They Are:

• Rational Numbers: These numbers can be written as a fraction. In a fraction, the top number (called the numerator) and the bottom number (called the denominator) are both whole numbers. For example, $\frac{3}{4}$, $-2$, and $0.75$ are all rational numbers.
• Irrational Numbers: These numbers cannot be written as simple fractions. Examples include numbers like $\sqrt{2}$ and $\pi$.

2. How They Look in Decimals:

• Rational Numbers: When you write these out as decimals, they either stop after a certain point (like $0.5$) or they have a repeating pattern (like $0.333...$).
• Irrational Numbers: Their decimal forms go on forever without stopping or repeating. For example, $3.14159...$ goes on and on.

3. Some Examples:

• Rational Numbers: $-1$, $\frac{7}{2}$, and $0.2$.
• Irrational Numbers: $\sqrt{3}$, $e$, and $\log(2)$.

By knowing the differences between rational and irrational numbers, you'll be able to understand them better as you learn more about math!