rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryirrationalNumber outside integer ratios
adjective / noun

irrational

A number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers.

The square root of two is irrational.

Etymology
irLatinnot
+rationalLatinof reckoning or reason

Rational here concerns a ratio, rather than sensible behavior. The negative prefix identifies a number that cannot be represented as a ratio of two integers.

More examples

  • An irrational number cannot be written as a fraction of integers.
  • The set includes both rationals and irrationals.
  • Pi is a familiar irrational value.

Forms

irrational · irrationals