GRADE 12 MATHEMATICAL
LITERACY
, Topic 1: Numbers, Relationships and Operations
How to Use This Digital Book
This topic is highly examinable and forms the foundation for many other sections in
Mathematical Literacy. Mastering it can easily boost your final mark.
This book includes:
Clear theory explanations.
Worked examples
Exam-style questions
Full memorandums (step-by-step)
Tip: Show all calculations in exams. Marks are awarded for methods, not just answers (method
marks).
1.1 Whole Numbers, Integers and Rational
Numbers
DEFINITIONS
Whole numbers
Numbers with no fractions or decimals, starting from zero. Example: 0, 1, 2, 3, …
Integers
All whole numbers, including negative numbers.
Example: –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3 …
Rational numbers
Any numbers that can be written as a fraction where the denominator is not zero.
Example: 1/2, –3/4, 0.25 …
LITERACY
, Topic 1: Numbers, Relationships and Operations
How to Use This Digital Book
This topic is highly examinable and forms the foundation for many other sections in
Mathematical Literacy. Mastering it can easily boost your final mark.
This book includes:
Clear theory explanations.
Worked examples
Exam-style questions
Full memorandums (step-by-step)
Tip: Show all calculations in exams. Marks are awarded for methods, not just answers (method
marks).
1.1 Whole Numbers, Integers and Rational
Numbers
DEFINITIONS
Whole numbers
Numbers with no fractions or decimals, starting from zero. Example: 0, 1, 2, 3, …
Integers
All whole numbers, including negative numbers.
Example: –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3 …
Rational numbers
Any numbers that can be written as a fraction where the denominator is not zero.
Example: 1/2, –3/4, 0.25 …
