FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

Which of the following types of numbers include infinite, non-repeating decimals?

1. Rational numbers

2. Irrational numbers

3. Whole numbers

4. Integers

The correct answer is: Irrational numbers

The correct choice is irrational numbers because they are defined as numbers that cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers. As a result, their decimal expansions are infinite and do not repeat. Examples of irrational numbers include the square root of 2 and pi, both of which have non-repeating, non-terminating decimal forms. Rational numbers, on the other hand, can be expressed as a fraction, and their decimal representations either terminate or repeat. Whole numbers are a subset of integers that include zero and all positive integers, and they do not involve decimals at all. Integers consist of positive and negative whole numbers, along with zero, and likewise do not extend into fractional or decimal forms. Thus, only irrational numbers meet the criterion of having infinite, non-repeating decimals.