Real Numbers

Scope of the chapter...

In mathematics, a real number is a value of a continuous quantity that can represent a distance
along a line. The adjective real in this context was introduced in the 17th century by René
Descartes, who distinguished between real and imaginary roots of polynomials. The real numbers
include all the rational numbers, such as the integer, fraction, all the irrational numbers, Content...
included within the irrationals are the transcendental numbers. In addition to measuring
distance, real numbers can be used to measure quantities such as time, mass, energy, velocity,  Introduction :
and many more.  Rational numbers
 Irrational numbers
 Real numbers
 Decimal
representation of
Learn-o-Meter rational numbers.
NCERT Exercise Solutions Solved Unsolved  The fundamental
theorem of
Exercise 1.1 07 -
arithmetic.
Exercise 1.2 03 -
 Revisiting irrational
NCERT Textual Questions - 06
numbers.
NCERT Exemplar
Very Short Answer Type Questions 05 -
Short Answer Type Questions 02 -
Higher Order Thinking Skills 01 -
Board Questions from 2010-2023 - 40
Multiple Choice Questions 43
Assertion and Reason Based Questions 07
Case Study Based Questions 02
Self - Assessment - 22
Worksheet 01

TOTAL 18 121

1. Real Numbers | 1
 In earlier classes we have learn about real numbers and encountered irrational numbers. In this chapter, we continue
our discussion on real numbers. We shall learn with two very important properties of positive integers, namely the
Euclid’s division algorithm and the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic.
The only number prehistoric man knew were the counting numbers. He could count his possessions using these numbers.
He traded with his fellow-being by the Barter system. These numbers came to be known as Natural Numbers,
denoted as N.
 N = { 1, 2, 3, 4, ..... }
It took centuries for man to think of Zero. The system of natural numbers was extended thus to what we call, set of
Whole Numbers, denoted as W.
 W = { 0, 1, 2, 3, ..... }
Obviously one cannot solve equations of the type x + 7 = 3, using this system and this gave rise to negative numbers
or negative integers. In short, for each natural number ‘n’ a new number is associated to it and denoted by –n, it is
called opposite of n.It is defined with the property that n + (–n) = 0.
The set of natural numbers, zero and opposite of all natural numbers is called as set of integers and denoted by I.
 I = { .... –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3, .... }

 Rational numbers
p
The number which can be expressed in the form q , where p and q are integers and q  0 is called a rational number
and the set of rational number is denoted by Q
p 
 Q =  q p, q  I, q  0
 

 Irrational numbers
The number which are not rational numbers are called irrational numbers.
The decimal representation of an irrational number is non-terminating and non-recurring.
For e.g. : 0.01101101110....., 2, 3, 5 etc. are all irrational numbers.
The set of real numbers is the union of the set of rational numbers and irrational numbers.
Irrational numbers denoted by Q

 Real numbers
All rational numbers and all irrational numbers together make the set of real numbers. It is denoted by ‘R’
R = Q  Q

Note : N  W  I  Q  R and Q R

 Decimal representation of rational numbers :

Decimal representation of rational numbers either a termination or recurring.
3 35
1. Termination decimals : For e.g. = 0.5, = 8.75
5 4
5 2
2. Recurring decimals : For e.g. = 0.4545.... , = 0.285714285714...
11 7

2 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

CONCEPT - 1 (ii) 156

Solution :
 The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic Using factor tree method (Method 1)

Theorem 156
Every composite number can be expressed 2 78
(factorised) as a product of prime factors and this
factorisation is unique, apart from the order in which 2 39
the prime factors occur. This fundamental theorem 3 13
helps us to find HCF and LCM of the numbers.
Division method (Method 2)
 Prime factorisation method to find HCF and
2 156
LCM
(i) First find all the prime factors of given numbers. 2 78

(ii) HCF = Product of the smallest power of each common 3 39

factor in the numbers. 13 13
(iii) LCM = Product of the greatest power of each prime
1
factor, involved in the numbers.
156 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 13
NCERT Exercise  156 = 22 × 3 × 13

Exercise 1.1 (iii) 3825

Solution :
1. Express each number as a product of its prime Using factor tree method (Method 1)
factors.
3825
(i) 140
Solution : 3 1275
Using factor tree method (Method 1)
3 425
140
5 85
2 70
5 17
2 35
Division method (Method 2)
5 7 3 3825

Division method (Method 2) 3 1275

2 140 5 425

2 70 5 85
5 35 17 17
7 7 1
1  3825 = 3 × 3 × 5 × 5 × 17
140 = 2 × 2 × 5 × 7  3825 = 32 × 52 × 17
 140 = 22 × 5 × 7

1. Real Numbers | 3
 (iv) 5005 91 = 7 × 13
Solution : 7 91
Using factor tree method (Method 1) 13 13
5005 1
5 1001 HCF of 26 and 91 = 13
LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
7 143
= 13 × 2 × 7
11 13 = 26 × 7
= 182
Division method (Method 2) Now, LCM × HCF = 13 ×182
5 5005 = 2366 ...(I)
7 1001 Product of two numbers = 26 × 91
11 143 = 2366 ...(II)
13 13 From (I) and (II)
1  LCM × HCF = Product of two numbers is verified.
 5005 = 5 × 7 × 11 × 13
(ii) 510 and 92
(v) 7429 Solution :
Solution : 510 = 2 × 3 × 5 × 17
Using factor tree method (Method 1) 2 510
7429 3 255
5 51
17 437
17 17
19 23
1
Division method (Method 2)
92 = 2 × 2 × 23
17 7429 2 92
19 437 2 46
23 23 23 23
1 1
 7429 = 17 × 19 × 23 HCF of 510 and 92 = 2
2. Find the LCM and HCF of the following pairs of LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
integers and verify that LCM × HCF = product = 2 × 3 × 5 × 17 × 2 × 23
of the two numbers. = 23460
(i) 26 and 91 Now, HCF × LCM = 2 × 23460
Solution : = 46920 ...(I)
26 = 2 × 13 Product of two numbers = 510 × 92
2 26 = 46920 ...(II)
13 13 From (I) and (II)
LCM × HCF = Product of two numbers is verified.
1

4 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

(iii) 336 and 54 21 = 3 × 7

Solution : 3 21
336 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 7 7 7
2 336 1
2 168 HCF = 3
2 84 LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
2 42 = 3×2×2×5×7
3 21  LCM = 420
7 7 (ii) 17, 23 and 29
1 Solution :
54 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 17 = 1 × 17
2 54 23 = 1 × 23
3 27 29 = 1 × 29
HCF = 1
3 9
LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
3 3
= 1 × 17 × 23 × 29
1
 LCM = 11339
HCF = 2 × 3
(iii) 8, 9 and 25
HCF = 6
Solution :
LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
8 = 1×2×2×2
= 2×3×2×2×2×7×3×3
9 = 1×3×3
LCM = 3024
25 = 1 × 5 × 5
Now, HCF × LCM = 6 × 3024
HCF = 1
= 18144 ...(I)
LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
Product of two numbers = 336 × 54
= 1×2×2×2×3×3×5×5
= 18144 ...(II)
 LCM = 1800
From (I) and (II)
HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers is verified. 4. Given that HCF (306, 657) = 9,
find LCM (306, 657)
3. Find the LCM and HCF of the following integers
Solution :
by applying the prime factorisation method.
We know that,
(i) 12, 15 and 21
HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers
Solution :
9 × LCM = 306 × 657
The numbers are 12, 15 and 21
306 × 657
12 = 2 × 2 × 3  LCM =
9
2 12 = 34 × 657
2 6  LCM = 22338
3 3
5. Check whether 6n can end with the digit 0 for
1
any natural number n.
15 = 3 × 5
Solution :
3 15
If the number 6n, for any ‘n’ natural number, were to
5 5 end with the digit zero, then it would be divisible by 5.
1
1. Real Numbers | 5
 i.e. Prime factorisation of 6 n would contain prime CONCEPT - 2
factor 5. But, 6n = (2 × 3)n = 2n × 3n
So the primes in factorisation of 6n are 2 and 3 so by  Revisiting Irrational Numbers
the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, there are no Theorem
other prime factors except 2 and 3 in the factorisation
If p is a prime and p divides a2, then p divides a,
of 6n. So there is no natural number n for which 6n
where a is a positive integer.
ends with digit zero.
6. Explain why 7 × 11 × 13 + 13 and Exercise 1.2
7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 + 5 are composite 1. Prove that 5 is irrational.
numbers. Solution :
Solution : Let us assume, to the contrary, that 5 is rational.
We have, a
i.e. we can find integer a and b( 0) such that 5 =
7 × 11 × 13 + 13 = 13 [ 7 × 11 + 1] b
= 13 [77 + 1] Suppose a and b have a common factor other than 1,
= 13 × 78 then we can divide by the common factor, and assume
13 × 78 cannot be a prime number as it has a factors 13 that a and b are co-prime. So, b 5 = a
 13 × 78 is a composite number. Squaring on both the sides and rearranging.
 7×6×5×4×3×2×1+5 5b2 = a2 ...(I)
= 5[7 × 6 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 + 1]  a2 is divisible by 5 and a is also divisible by 5 ...(II)
= 5[1008 + 1] [ a prime number ‘p’ divides a2 then ‘p’ divides a
= 5 × 1009 cannot be prime number as it has factor 5 where a is positive integer]
Hence, 5 × 1009 is a composite number. So, we can write a = 5c for some integer c
Thus, 7 × 11 × 13 + 13 and 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 + 5 are Substituting for a in eq. (I)
composite numbers. 5b2 = (5c)2
7. There is a circular path around a sports field. 5b2 = 25c2
Sonia takes 18 minutes to drive one round of Dividing throughout by 5
the field, while Ravi takes 12 minutes for the b 2 = 5c2
same. Suppose they both start at the same point i.e. b2 is divisible by 5
and at the same time, and go in the same b is also divisible by 5 ...(III)
direction. After how many minutes will they From (II) and (III)
meet again at the starting point? Both a and b are divisible by 5
Solution : i.e. a and b have atleast 5 as a common factor.
To find the time after which they meet at the starting But this contradicts the fact that a and b are
point, we have to find LCM of 18 and 12 minutes. co-prime
18 = 2 × 9 = 2 × 3 × 3  Our supposition that 5 is rational number is wrong.
12 = 2 × 6 = 2 × 2 × 3 Hence, 5 is an irrational.
LCM = Common × Uncommon factors
2. Prove that 3 + 2 5 is irrational.
= 2×3×3×2
Solution :
LCM = 36
Let us suppose to the contrary that 3 + 2 5 is rational
So, they will meet again at the starting point after a
36 minutes. Let 3 + 2 5 = where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are co-prime
b
integer and b  0

6 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

a a – 3b (iii) 6 + 2
 2 5 = –3 =
b b
a – 3b Solution :
 5 = Let us suppose, to the contrary that 6 + 2 is rational
2b
a – 3b a
Here, 5 is irrational number and is rational Let 6 + 2 = where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are co-prime
2b b
number. integers and b  0
We know that, irrational number  rational number a a – 6b
 2 = –6 =
 Our supposition that 3 + 2 5 is rational number is b b
a – 6b
wrong. Here 2 is an irrational number and is a
b
Hence, 3 + 2 5 is an irrational number.. rational number.
We know that irrational number  rational number
3. Prove that the following are irrationals :
Hence, our supposition that 6 + 2 is a rational
1
(i) number is wrong
2
Solution : Hence, 6 + 2 is an irrational number..
First rationalise the denominator
1 2
× =
2 NCERT Textual Unsolved
2 2 2
2 1. Find the LCM and HCF of 6 and 20 by the prime
Now, let us suppose that is a rational number..
2
2 a factorisation method. [Ans. HCF = 2, LCM = 60]
Take =
2 b
2. Find the HCF of 96 and 404 by the prime factorisation
2a
 2 = b where a and b are co-prime integers and b 0 method. Hence, find their LCM.
2a
[Ans. LCM = 9696, HCF = 4]
2 is an irrational number and is rational.
b 3. Find the HCF and LCM of 6, 72 and 120, using the
We know that irrational number  rational numbers prime factorisation method.
2 1
 Our supposition that (i.e. ) is a rational [Ans. HCF = 6, LCM = 360]
2 2
number is wrong. 4. Prove that 3 is irrational.
2  i.e. 1  5. Show that 5 – 3 is irrational.
Here,   is an irrational number
2  2
6. Show that 3 2 is irrational.
(ii) 7 5
Solution :
Let us suppose that 7 5 is a rational number NCERT Exemplar
a
Let 7 5 = where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are coprime integers  Very Short Answer Type Questions
b
and b  0 1. “The product of two consecutive positive
a integers is divisible by 2”. Is this statement true
 5 = 7b
a or false? Give reasons.
Here, 5 is an irrational number and is a Solution :
7b
rational number. Yes, two consecutive integers can be n, (n + 1).
We know that irrational number  rational number So, one number of these two must be divisible by 2.
 Our supposition that 7 5 is a rational number is The statement is true.
wrong.
Hence, 7 5 is an irrational number..
1. Real Numbers | 7
 2. “The product of three consecutive positive a2 + 2
integers is divisible by 6”. Is this statement true  5 = which is contradiction. As the right hand
2a
or false? Justify your answer. side is rational number while 5 is irrational. Since
Solution :
3 + 5 are prime numbers. Hence, is irrational.
Yes, three consecutive integers can be n, (n + 1) and
(n + 2). So, one number of these three must be 2. On a morning walk, three persons step off
divisible by 3, Hence, product of numbers is divisible together and their steps measure 40 cm, 42 cm
by 6 and 45 cm, respectively. What is the minimum
distance each should walk so that each can cover
3. Explain why 3 × 5 × 7 + 7 is a composite number.
the same distance in complete steps?
Solution :
Solution :
We have, 3 × 5 × 7 + 7 = 105 + 7 = 112
We have to find the LCM of 40 cm, 42 cm and 45 cm
Now, 112 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 7 = 24 × 7
to get the required minimum distance.
So, it is the product of prime factors 2 and 7 i.e. it has
For this, 40 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 5
more than two factors. Hence, it is a composite
42 = 2 × 3 × 7
number.
and 45 = 3 × 3 × 5
4. Can two numbers have 18 as their HCF and 380  LCM (40, 42, 45) = 2 × 3 × 5 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 7
as their LCM? Give reasons. = 2520
Solution :  The minimum distance each should walk so that
No, because HCF is always a factor of LCM but each can cover the same distance in complete
here 18 is not a factor of 380 steps is 2520
5. A rational number in its decimal expansion is
327.7081. What can you say about the prime Higher Order Thinking Skills
factors of q, when this number is expressed in
1. The LCM of two numbers is 14 times their HCF.
p
the form q ? Give reasons. The sum of LCM and HCF is 600. If one number
Solution : is 280. then find the other number.
327.7081 is terminating decimal number. So, it Solution :
represents a rational number and also its denominator Let HCF be x.
must have the form 2m × 5n  LCM = 14 × HCF [Given]
3277081 p  LCM = 14x
327.7081 = 10000 = q
HCF + LCM = 600 [Given]
Here q = 104 = 24 × 54 x + 14x = 600
 prime factors of q are 2 and 5. 15x = 600
 x = HCF = 40
 Short Answer Type Questions LCM = 14 × 40
1. Prove that 3 + 5 is irrational.  LCM = 560
Solution : Now,
Let us suppose that is rational HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers
Let = a, where a is rational 40 × 560 = One number × Other number
 3 = a– 5 40 × 560 = 280 × Other number

 3 = a – 5
40 × 560
2 2
 Other number = = 80
280
3 = a 2 + 5 – 2a 5 [ (a – b)2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab]
Hence, required other number is 80.
2a 5 = a + 2
2

8 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

Board Questions from 2010-2023 2014

(Delhi/Outside Delhi) 11. Find the prime factorisation of the denominator of
2010 rational number expressed as 6.12 in simplest form.
2 45  3 20 202
1. Write whether on simplification gives [Ans. ]
2 5 33

a rational or an irrational number. [Ans. 6 is a rational 12. Prove that 2 + 3 5 is an irrational number..
13. Prove that 3 + 2 3 is an irrational number..
number, the expression on simplification gives a
rational number.] 2015
2. Prove that 2 3 – 1 is an irrational number.. 14. Explain why (17 × 5 × 11 × 3 × 2 + 2 × 11) is a
3. Prove that 3 is an irrational number.. composite number? [Ans. It is composite number]
15. Find the largest number which divides 70 and 125
leaving remainder 5 and 8 respectively. [Ans. 13]
2011
16. The length, breadth and height of a room are
4. Express 2717 as a product of its prime factors.
8 m 50 cm, 6 m 25 cm and 4m 75 cm respectively.
[Ans. 11 × 13 × 19]
Find the length of the longest rod that can measure
5. Find HCF and LCM of the number 414 and 506. Also the dimensions of the room exactly. [Ans. 25 cm]
verify that HCF × LCM = Product of the two given
numbers. [Ans. HCF = 46, LCM = 4554] 2016
6. Find the largest number that divides 2053 and 967 17. Is 7 × 5 × 3 × 2 + 3 is a composite number? Justify
and leaves a remainder of 5 and 7 respectively. your answer. [Ans. It is composite number]
[Ans. 64] 18. Prove that 3 is an irrational number. Hence prove
2012 that 3 – 5 is also an irrational number..
7. Prove that 5 is irrational and hence show that 19. Find the HCF and LCM of 306 and 657 and verify
3 + 5 is also irrational. that LCM × HCF = Product of the two numbers.
8. Show that 5 + 3 2 is an irrational number.. [Ans. HCF = 9, LCM = 22338]

2013 2017
9. Three bells toll at intervals of 9, 12, 15 minutes 20. Can two numbers have 15 as their HCF and 175 as
respectively. If they start tolling together, after what their LCM? Give reasons. [Ans. No, two numbers
time will they next toll together? [Ans. 3 hrs.] cannot have HCF as 15 & LCM as 175 .
10. There are 104 students in class X and 96 students in 21. In a school there are two sections A and B of class
class IX in a school. In a house examination the X. There are 48 students in section A and 60 students
students are to be evenly seated in parallel rows such in section B. Determine the least number of books
that no two adjacent rows are of the same class. required for the library of the school so that the books
(i) Find the maximum number of parallel rows of each can be distributed equally among all students of each
class for the seating arrangement. [Ans. 8 rows] section. [Ans. 240]
22. Prove that is 3 + 2 5 irrational.
(ii) Also find the number of students of class IX and also
of class X in a row. [Ans. Class 9 = 12 students, 2018
Class 10 = 13 students]
23. What is the HCF of smallest prime number and the
smallest composite number? [Ans. 2]
1. Real Numbers | 9
 24. Given that 2 is irrational, prove that 5 + 3 2  is 39. Find by prime factorisation the LCM of the numbers
an irrational number. 18180 and 7575. Also, find the HCF of the two
25. Given that 3 is an irrational number, prove that numbers. [Ans. LCM = 90900, HCF = 1515]
2 + 3  is an irrational number.. 40. Three bells ring at intervals of 6, 12 and 18 minutes.
26. Find HCF and LCM of 404 and 96 and verify that If all the three bells rang at 6 a.m., when will they
HCF × LCM = Product of the two given numbers. ring together again? [Ans. 6:36 a.m.]
[Ans. HCF = 4, LCM = 9696]
2019
Multiple Choice Questions
27. Express 429 as a product of its prime factors. 1. HCF of 26 and 91 is
[Ans. 3 × 11 × 13] (a) 15 (b) 13
28. Two positive integers a and b can be written as (c) 19 (d) 11
a = x3y2 and b = xy3. x, y are prime numbers. Find 2. Which of the following is not irrational?
LCM (a, b) [Ans. x3y3] (a) 3  7 (b) 3 – 7
29. Write the number of zeroes in the end of a number 3 
(c) 7  3 – 7  (d) 3 7
whose prime factorization is 22 × 53 × 32 × 17
[Ans. 2 zeroes] 3. The least number that is divisible by all the numbers
from 1 to 5 is
30. If HCF of 65 and 117 is expressible in the form
(a) 70 (b) 60
65n – 117, then find the value of n. [Ans. 2]
(c) 80 (d) 90
31. On a morning walk, three persons step out together
4. The decimal form of 129225775 is
and their steps measure 30cm, 36cm and 40cm
(a) terminating
respectively. What is the maximum distance each (b) non-termining
should walk so that each can cover the same distance (c) non-terminating non-repeating
in complete steps? [Ans. 360 cm] (d) none of the these
32. Prove that 2 3 – 1 is an irrational number.. 5. The product of a rational and irrational number is
33. Find the largest number which on dividing 1251, 9377 (a) rational (b) irrational
and 15628 leaves remainders 1, 2 and 3 respectively. (c) both (d) none of these
[Ans. 625] 6. The sum of two irrational numbers is always
34. Prove : 2 is an irrational number.. (a) irrational (b) rational
(c) rational or irrational (d) one
2+ 3
35. Prove that is an irrational number, given that 7. The product of three consecutive positive integers
5
3 is an irrational number.. is divisible by
(a) 4 (b) 6
36. Prove that 2 + 3 3 is an irrational number when it is
(c) no common factor (d) only 1
given that 3 is an irrational number..
8. Which number is divisible by 11?
2+3 2 (a) 1516 (b) 1452 (c) 1011 (d) 1121
37. Prove that is an irrational number, given that
7
2 is an irrational number.. 9. LCM of the given number ‘x’ and ‘y’ where y is a
multiple of ‘x’ is given by
2023 x
(a) x (b) y (c) xy (d) y
38. Prove that 6  7 is irrational number, given that
7 is an irrational number..

10 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

10. There are 312, 260 and 156 students in class X, XI 20. If two positive integers A and B can be expressed as
and XII respectively. Buses are to be hired to take A = xy3 and B = x4y2z; x, y being prime numbers then
these students to a picnic. Find the maximum number HCF (A, B) is
of students who can sit in a bus if each bus takes (a) xy2 (b) x 4 y 2 z
equal number of students (c) x 4 y 3 (d) x 4 y 3 z
(a) 52 (b) 56 (c) 48 (d) 63 21. When a number is divided by 7, its remainder is always
11. Express 98 as a product of its primes (a) greater than 7 (b) at least 7
(a) 22 × 7 (b) 22 × 72 (c) less than 7 (d) at most 7
(c) 2 × 72 (d) 23 × 7 22. If HCF (16, y) = 8 and LCM (16, y) = 48, then the
12. If two positive integers A and B can be expressed as value of y is
A = xy3 and B = x4y2z; x, y being prime numbers, the (a) 24 (b) 16 (c) 8 (d) 48
LCM (A, B) is
23. If LCM (77,99) = 693, then HCF (77, 99) is
(a) xy 2 (b) x 4 y 2 z (c) x 4 y 3 (d) x 4 y 3 z
(a) 11 (b) 7 (c) 9 (d) 22
13. If the HCF of 408 and 1032 is expressible in the form
1032 × 2 + 408 × p, then the value of p is 24. If A = 2n + 13, B = n + 7, where n is a natural number,
(a) 5 (b) –5 (c) 4 (d) –4 then HCF of A and B is
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 4
14. The ratio between the LCM and HCF of 5, 15, 20 is
(a) 9 : 1 (b) 4 : 3 (c) 11 : 1 (d) 12 : 1 25. The HCF of 2472, 1284 and a third number N is 12.
15. Two alarm clocks ring their alarms at regular intervals If their LCM is 23 × 32 × 5 × 103 × 107, then the
of 50 seconds and 48 seconds. If they first beep number N is
together at 12 noon, at what time will they beep again (a) 22 × 32 × 7 (b) 22 × 33 × 103
for the first time ? (c) 22 × 32 × 5 (d) 24 × 32 × 11
(a) 12.20 pm (b) 12.12 pm 26. HCF of 52 × 32 and 35 × 53 is
(c) 12.11pm (d) none of these (a) 53 × 35 (b) 5 × 33
16. 4 Bells toll together at 9.00 am. They toll after 7, 8, (c) 53 × 32 (d) 52 × 32
11 and 12 seconds respectively. How many times will 27. If the HCF of 55 and 99 is expressible in the form
they toll together again in the next 3 hours? 55m - 99, then the value of m is
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6 (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 7
17. The largest number that will divide 398,436 and 542 28. If a and b are two positive integers such that
leaving remainders 7,11 and 15 respectively is a = 14b. Find the HCF of a and b.
(a) 17 (b) 11 (c) 34 (d) 45 (a) a (b) b (c) 14 (d) 14b
18. There is a circular path around a sports field. Priya 29. Find the LCM of smallest prime and smallest odd
takes 18 minutes to drive one round of the field. Harish composite natural number.
takes 12 minutes. Suppose they both start at the same (a) 18 (b) 20 (c) 15 (d) 12
point and at the same time and go in the same 30. In a seminar, the number of participants in English,
direction. After how many minutes will they meet ? German and Sanskrit are 45,75 and 135. Find the
(a) 36 minutes (b) 18 minutes number of rooms required to house them, if in each
(c) 6 minutes (d) they will not meet room, the same number of participants are to be
19. The least number that is divisible by all the numbers accommodated and they should be of the same
from 1 to 5 (both inclusive) is language.
(a) 5 (b) 60 (c) 20 (d) 100 (a) 45 (b) 17 (c) 75 (d) 135

1. Real Numbers | 11
 31. If p = HCF(100,190) and q = LCM (100, 190), then 42. The HCF and the LCM of 12, 21, 15 respectively are
p2q2 is : (a) 3, 140 (b) 12, 420
(a) 3.61 × 105 (b) 361 × 103 (c) 3, 420 (d) 420, 3 [2020]
(c) 3.61 × 106 (d) 3.61 × 108 43. If ‘n’ is a natural number, then which of the following
32. If HCF (306, 657) = 9 then LCM of 306 and 657 is numbers end with
(a) 1 (b) 22338 (a) (3 × 2)n (b) (2 × 5)n
(c) 9 (d) 12 (c) (6 × 2)n (d) (5 × 3)n [2023]
33. The largest positive integer which divides 434 and Answer
539 leaving remainders 9 and 12 respectively is 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b)
(a) 9 (b) 108 (c) 17 (d) 539 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (a)
34. HCF and LCM of two positive integers a and b satisfy 11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (d)
a relationship, that 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (a)
a
(a) (HCF) (LCM) = 21. (c) 22. (a) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (c)
b
(b) (HCF) (LCM) = 1 26. (d) 27. (a) 28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (b)

(c) (HCF) (LCM) = ab 31. (d) 32. (b) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (c)

(d) None of these 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (a)
41. (c) 42. (c) 43. (b)
35. Find the value of x form, the following such that x2 is
irrational but x4 is rational
(a) 2 (b) 3 2 (c) 4 2 (d) 2 Assertion and Reason Based Question
36. The greatest number which divides 17, 28 and 34
leaving remainders 2,3 and 4 respectively is Direction :In the following questions, a statement of
(a) 5 (b) 24 (c) 1 (d) 17 assertion (A) is followed by a statement of reason (R).
37. 72 litres of liquid A and 108 litres of liquid B are to be Mark the correct choice as :
packed in containers of the same size. The minimum (a) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) and true and
number of containers required are reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
(a) 36 (b) 18 (c) 5 (d) 10 (b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason
38. The sum of rational and an irrational number is (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
(a) rational (b) irrational (c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
(c) both (a) and (c) (d) either (a) or (b) (d) Assertion (A) is false but reason (R) is true.

39. An army contingent of 616 members is to march 1. Assertion (A) : The HCF of two numbers is 18 and
behind an army band of 32 members in a parade. The their product is 3072. Then their LCM = 169.
two groups have to march in the same number of Reason (R) : If a, b are two positive integers, the
columns. Find the maximum number of columns in HCF × LCM = a × b
which they can march ?
2. Assertion (A) : For any two positive integers a and
(a) 32 (b) 60 (c) 40 (d) 8
b, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b
40. The least positive integer divisible by 20 and 24 is Reason (R): The HCF of two numbers is 8 and their
(a) 360 (b) 120 (c) 480 (d) 240 product is 280. Then their LCM is 40.
41. The total number of factors of a prime number is 3. Assertion (A) : 3 is a rational number.
(a) 1 (b) 0 Reason (R) : The square roots of all positive integers
(c) 2 (d) 3 [2020] are irrational.
12 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

4. Assertion (A) : There are two numbers such that 1. Find the total number of participants.
there HCF is 18 and LCM is 380. 2. Find the LCM of 120, 180 and 240.
Reason (R) : The LCM must be divisible by HCF. 3. Find the HCF of 120, 180 and 240.
5. Assertion (A) : The number 4 cannot end with the
n
4. Find the product of HCF and LCM.
digit zero, where n is a natural number.
Reason (R) : The prime factorization of number 4n Answer
have only the prime 2. Case study 1
6. Assertion (A) : The HCF of two numbers is 5 and 1. Prime factor of 336 is 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 7.
their product is 150, then there LCM is 30.
2. HCF of 336 and 54 is 6.
Reason (R) : For any two positive integers a and b,
HCF (a, b) + LCM (a, b) = a × b. 3. LCM of 336 and 54 is 3024.
4. Sum of exponents = 6
7. Assertion (A) : 5 – 3 is an irrational number..
Reason (A) : Every irrational number has a Case study 2
non-terminating non-recurring decimal expansion. 1. Total number of participants = 540
Answer 2. LCM of 120, 180 and 240 is 720.
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a) 3. HCF of 120, 180 and 240 is 60.
6. (c) 7. (b) 4. Product of LCM and HCF = 43200

Case Study Based Questions Self - Assessment

Case study 1 1. If product of two number is 20736 and their LCM
A sweet seller has 336 Barfis and 54 Laddoos. He wants is 384, find their HCF. [Ans : HCF = 54]
to stack them in such way that each stack has the same 2. Three different containers contain 496 litres, 403
numbers, and they take up the least areas of the tray. litres and 713 litres of a mixture. What is the capacity
Based on solve the following questions.
of the biggest container that can measure all the
1. What are the prime factors of 336? different quantities exactly? [Ans : HCF = 31]
2. Write the HCF of 336 and 54. 3. A daily owner decided to supply pure milk to his
3. Find the LCM of 336 and 54. customer. He collected 120 litres of pure cow milk
4. What is the sum of exponent of prime and 180 litres of pure buffalo milk. He fills the
factorization of 336 ? two kinds of milk in containers of equal capacity.
What is the greatest capacity of such container.
Case study 2
[Ans : 60 litres]
The department of Science and Technology is conducting
4. Two tankers contains 850 litres and 680 litres of
an international seminar. In the seminar the number of
petrol respectively. Find the maximum capacity
participants in Mathematics, Science and Computer Science
of a container which can measure the petrol of
are 120, 180 and 240 respectively. The coordinator has
either takes in exact number of times.
made the arrangement such that in each room the same
[Ans : HCF = 170 litre]
numbers of participants are to seat and all of the being
in the same subject. Also they allotted the separate room 5. Explain whether the number 3 × 5 × 13 × 46 + 23
for all the official's other than participants.Based on is a prime number or a composite number.
solve the following questions. [Ans : It is a composite number]

1. Real Numbers | 13
 6. Determine the values of p and q so that the 18. A fruit vendor has 732 apples and 942 oranges.
prime factorisation of 2520 is expressible as He distributes them among the students of an
23 × 5 × q × 7. [Ans : p = 2, q = 5] orphanage, such that each of them gets either only
3 apples or only oranges in equal numbers.Find the
7. State whether 1.23 + is a rational number or not. least possible number of students in which these
4
[Ans : It is a rational number] fruits can be distributed in that ways.
[Ans. Total least number of students required =
8. Show that  3  5  is an irrational number..
2
122 + 157 = 279]
9. Given that 2 is an irrational number, then prove 19. If d is the HCF of 56 and 72 find x, y satisfying
d = 56x + 72y. Also, show that x and y are not
that  5  3 2  is an irrational number..
unique. [Ans. Hence x and y are not unique]
10. Show that there is no positive integer ‘a’ for which
20. Anish goes fishing every 5 th day and Balaji goes
a + 1 + a – 1 is rational. fishing every 7th day. If Anish and Balaji both went
11. Let a, b, c, k be rational numbers such that k is fishing today, how many days until they will go
not a perfect cube. If a + bk 1/3 + ck 2/3 then prove fishing on the same day again? [Ans. They will
go fishing on the same day again 35 days from
that a = b = c = 0 today.]

12. You have seen that 21. Find the HCF and LCM of the pairs of integers
2 is not a rational number..
and verify that LCM (a, b) × HCF (a, b) = a × b.
Show that 2 + 2 is not a rational number..
(a) 16 and 80 (b) 125 and 55
13. Find the value of 5 correct to two places. [Ans. (a) HCF = 16 and LCM = 80
[Ans. Hence the required approximation is 2.24] (b) HCF = 5 and LCM = 1375]
14. Show that 3 6 is not a rational number.. 22. Find the largest positive integer that will divide
398, 436 and 542 leaving remainder 7, 11 and 15
15. Karan has 180 blue marbles and 150 red marbles.
respectively.[Ans. 17 is the largest positive integers
He wants to pack them into packets containing
that will divide 398, 436 and 542 leaving remainder
equal number of marbles of the same colour. What
7, 11 and 15.]
is the maximum number of marbles that each packet
can hold?
[Ans. So, the maximum number of marbles in each
packet is 30.]
16. What is the largest number that divides 967 and
1767 leaving remainders of 71 and 103 respectively?
[Ans. 128 is the largest number that divides 967
and 1767 leaving remainders 71 and 103 respectively.]
17. What is the largest number that divides 170, 220,
and 420 leaving remainder 8, 4 and 15 respectively?
[Ans. 27 is the largest number that divides 170,
220, and 420 leaving remainders of 8, 4, and 15
respectively.]

14 | 1. Real Numbers
 Mathematics - CBSE - Class 10

Worksheet
Total Marks : 25 Time : 1 Hour
SECTION A (7 Marks)
All questions are compulsory
1. Find the LCM of smallest prime and smallest odd composite natural number. 1
(a) 18 (b) 20 (c) 15 (d) 12
2. The greatest number which divides 17, 28 and 34 leaving remainders 2,3 and 4 respectively is _____ 1
(a) 5 (b) 24 (c) 1 (d) 17
3. The HCF and the LCM of 12, 21, 15 respectively are 1
(a) 3, 140 (b) 12, 420 (c) 3, 420 (d) 420, 3
4. The HCF of 2472, 1284 and a third number N is 12. If their LCM is 23 × 32 × 5 × 103 × 107, then the 1
number N is
(a) 22 × 32 × 7 (b) 22 × 33 × 103 (c) 22 × 32 × 5 (d) 24 × 32 × 11

Question no. 5, 6 and 7 are assertion reason based questions. Two statements are given, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and other is Reasons (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the code (a),
(b), (c) and (d) from below.
(a) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
(b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false but reason (R) is true.

5. Assertion (A) : There are two numbers such that there HCF is 18 and LCM is 380. 1
Reason (R) : The LCM must be divisible by HCF.
6. Assertion (A) : For any two positive integers a and b, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b 1
Reason (R) : The HCF of two numbers is 8 and their product is 280. Then their LCM is 40.
7. Assertion (A) : The HCF of two numbers is 5 and their product is 150, then there LCM is 30. 1
Reason (R) : For any two positive integers a and b, HCF (a, b) + LCM (a, b) = a × b.

SECTION B (4 Marks)
8. If product of two number is 20736 and their LCM is 384, find their HCF. 2
9. There is a circular path around a sports field. Sonia takes 18 minutes to drive one round of the field, 2
while Ravi takes 12 minutes for the same. Suppose they both start at the same point and at the same
time, and go in the same direction. After how many minutes will they meet again at the starting point?

1. Real Numbers | 15
 SECTION C ( 6 Marks)

10. Prove that 5 is irrational. 3

11. Explain why 7 × 11 × 13 + 13 and 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 + 5 are composite numbers. 3

SECTION D (8 Marks)
Case Based Questions
12. To enhance the reading skills of grade X students, the school nominates you and two of your friends to set up
a class library. There are two sections- section A and section B of grade X. There are 32 students in section
A and 36 students in section B. Based on given information answer the following questions.

(i) What is the minimum number of books you will acquire for the class library, so that they can be 1
distributed equally among students of Section A or Section B?
(ii) If the product of two positive integers is equal to the product of their HCF and LCM is true then, 1
find the HCF (32 , 36)
(iii) (a) Express 36 as the product of prime. 2
OR
(iii) (b) If p and q are positive integers such that p = a and q = b, where a , b are prime numbers, 2
then the LCM (p, q) is

13. The department of Science and Technology is conducting an international seminar. In the seminar the
number of participants in Mathematics, Science and Computer Science are 120, 180 and 240 respectively.
The coordinator has made the arrangement such that in each room the same numbers of participants are to
seat and all of the being in the same subject. Also they allotted the separate room for all the official's other
than participants. Based on the given information answer the following questions.

(i) Find the total number of participants. 1

(ii) Find the LCM of 120, 180 and 240. 1
(iii) (a) Find the HCF of 120, 180 and 240. 2
OR
(iii) (b) Find the product of HCF and LCM. 2

Best of Luck 
16 | 1. Real Numbers