answersLogoWhite

0

Whole numbers are rational numbers with a denominator of 1.

The difference with general rational numbers is that the denominators are likely to be different and they must be made the same by converting the fractions into equivalent fractions with the same denominator before the addition can be done - by adding the numerators and keeping the denominator, and simplifying (if possible) the result.

With whole numbers the denominators are already the same (as 1) and so the addition can be done straight away.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ReneRene
Change my mind. I dare you.
Chat with Rene
TaigaTaiga
Every great hero faces trials, and you—yes, YOU—are no exception!
Chat with Taiga
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
More answers

The main difference is that you must first convert the fractions to a common denominator, unless they already happen to have the same denominator.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
User Avatar


Seeing that whole numbers ARE rational numbers,
there should be no difference expected.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How is adding rational numbers different than adding whole numbers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp