rationals
SayRASH-uh-nuhlz/ˈɹæʃ(ə)nəlz/
- 1Plural of rational.
Between any two rationals there lies yet another fraction.
Mathematicians usually denote the set of all rationals with the letter Q.
Note
A mathematician's shorthand: the adjective in rational numbers has become a noun, and the plural ending shows it. English adjectives never take -s, so rationals is always the noun, standing for rational numbers, those expressible as a ratio of two integers. The same plural can also name the breastplates worn by Israelite high priests, but that is a historical sense, and context makes clear which is meant.
rationals is a form of rational
rational, noun: A number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers. Full entry
- Forms
- rationalrationals plural
- Spelling
- rational → rationals: add -s
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