The World of Numbers Class 9 Maths Ganita Manjari Part 1 Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions Looking for The World of Numbers Class 9 Maths Ganita Manjari Part 1 Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions? At School Learners, we provide accurate, easy-to-understand, and exam-oriented solutions that help students learn every concept step by step.
Exercise Set 3.1
1. A merchant in the port city of Lothal is exchanging bags of spices for copper ingots. He receives 15 ingots for every 2 bags of spices. If he brings 12 bags of spices to the market, how many copper ingots will he leave with?
Solution:
For 2 bags of spices, the merchant gets = 15 copper ingots.
For 1 bag of spices, the merchant gets = ingots
Thus, for 12 bags, the number of ingots =12 × = 6 × 15 = 90.
Therefore, the merchant will leave with 90 copper ingots.
2. Look at the sequence of numbers on one column of the Ishango bone: 11, 13, 17, 19. What do these numbers have in common? List the next three numbers that fit this pattern.
Solution:
The numbers 11, 13, 17, and 19 are prime numbers (each number is divisible only by 1 and itself).
The next three numbers in this pattern after 19 are 23, 29, 31.
3. We know that Natural Numbers are closed under addition (the sum of any two natural numbers is always a natural number). Are they closed under subtraction? Provide a couple of examples to justify your answer.
Solution:
Natural numbers are not closed under subtraction.
Justification:
5 − 3 = 2, which is a natural number.
3 − 5 = −2, which is not a natural number.
Since the subtraction of two natural numbers does not always result in a natural number, natural numbers are not closed under subtraction.
4. Ancient Indians used the joints of their fingers to count, a practice still seen today. Each finger has 3 joints, and the thumb is used to count them. How many can you count on one hand? How does this relate to the ancient base-12 counting systems?
Solution:
Each hand has 4 fingers (excluding the thumb), and each finger has 3 joints.
So, total joints = 4 × 3 = 12.
We can count up to 12 on one hand.
Since counting on one hand gives 12, this method naturally leads to counting in groups of 12. Hence, it is related to the base-12 system used in ancient times.
Exercise Set 3.2
1. The temperature in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh is recorded as 4 °C at noon. By midnight, it drops by 15 °C. What is the midnight temperature?
Solution:
Temperature at noon = 4°C
Drop in temperature = 15°C
So,
Midnight temperature = 4 − 15 = −11°C
Therefore, the temperature at midnight is −11°C.
2. A spice trader takes a loan (debt) of ₹850. The next day, he makes a profit (fortune) of ₹1,200. The following week, he incurs a loss of ₹450. Write this sequence as an equation using integers and calculate his final financial standing.
Solution:
Loan (debt) = −850
Profit = +1200
Loss = −450
So, the equation is:
−850 + 1200 − 450
Now calculate:
−850 + 1200 – 450
= 350 – 450 = −100
Therefore, his final financial standing is ₹–100, which means he is still in debt of ₹100.
3. Calculate the following using Brahmagupta’s laws:
(i) (–12) × 5
(ii) (–8) × (–7)
(iii) 0 – (–14)
(iv) (–20) ÷ 4
Solution:
(i) (–12) × 5
Negative × Positive = Negative
(–12) × 5 = –60
(ii) (–8) × (–7)
Negative × Negative = Positive
(–8) × (–7) = 56
(iii) 0 – (–14)
Subtracting a negative = Adding a positive
0 + 14 = 14
(iv) (–20) ÷ 4
Negative ÷ Positive = Negative
(–20) ÷ 4 = –5
4. Explain, using a real-world example of debt, why subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number (e.g., 10 – (–5) = 15).
Solution:
Positive numbers represent your fortune, and negative numbers represent debt.
Suppose you have ₹10. Subtracting −₹5 means removing a debt of ₹5.
So,
10 − (−5) = 10 + 5 = 15
Explanation:
Removing a debt increases your fortune. Therefore, subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.
Exercise Set 3.3
1. Prove that the following rational numbers are equal:
(i) and
(ii) and
(iii) and
(iv) and 3
Solution:
(i) and
= =
So, =
(ii) and
= =
So, =
(iii) and
= =
So, =
(iv) and 3
= = 3
So, = 3
2. Find the sum:
(i) +
(ii) +
(iii) +
Solution:
(i)
LCM of 5 and 10 = 10
= =
+ = =
(ii) +
LCM of 12 and 8 = 24
= =
= =
+ = = = 1
(iii) +
LCM of 7 and 14 = 14
= =
+ = =
3. Find the difference:
(i) –
(ii) –
(iii)
Solution:
(i) –
LCM of 6 and 4 = 12
= =
= =
– = =
(ii) –
LCM of 8 and 4 = 8
= =
– = =
(iii)
LCM of 9 and 3 = 3
= =
+ = =
4. Find the product:
(i) ×
(ii) ×
(iii) – ×
Solution:
(i) ×
=
Cancelling 3,
= =
(ii) ×
=
=
(iii) – ×
=
= =
5. Find the quotient:
(i) ÷
(ii) ÷
(iii) – ÷
Solution:
(i) ÷
= × = = 2
(ii) ÷
= × = = 1
(iii) – ÷
= – × = = – = -1
6. Show that: .
Solution:
LHS =
LCM of 2 and 4 = 4
So, = =
= =
RHS =
=
= + 2
= =
Hence, verified LHS = RHS.
7. Simplify the following using the distributive property:
Solution:
LCM of 7 and 4 = 28
⇒ –
⇒ –
⇒ =
Thus
= × = = .
8. Find the rational number x such that:
Solution:
LHS = = x + ×
= x + ×
= x +
RHS =
Hence, LHS = RHS. This is an identity true for all values of x.
Exercise Set 3.4
1. Represent the rational numbers , and 1 on a single number line.
Solution:
(i)

(ii)

(iii) 1 =

2. Find three distinct rational numbers that lie strictly between and .
Solution:
Converting the given numbers to a common denominator.
= =
= =
So, the rational numbers between and are , , .
3. Simplify the expression: .
Solution:
LCM of 4 and 12 = 12
= =
So,
= + = = = .
4. A tailor has 15 metres of fine silk. If making one kurta requires 2metres of silk, exactly how many kurtas can he make?
Solution:
Total silk = 15 m = m
Silk needed for 1 kurta = 2 m = m
Number of kurtas = ÷
= × = = 7 m
Therefore, he can make exactly 7 kurtas.
5. Find three rational numbers between 3.1415 and 3.1416.
Solution:
Writing the numbers with more decimal places:
3.1415 = 3.14150
3.1416 = 3.14160
Choose any numbers between them:
3.14151, 3.14152, 3.14153
Therefore, three rational numbers are 3.14151, 3.14152, 3.14153.
6. Can you think of other way(s) to find a rational number between any two rational numbers?
Solution:
Yes, there are other ways.
Method 1:
If a and b are two rational numbers, then is a rational number lying between them.
Method 2:
Once we find one number between a and b, we can again find the mean between the new numbers to get more rational numbers. In this way, infinitely many rational numbers can be found between any two rational numbers.
Exercise Set 3.5
1. Without performing long division, determine which of the following rational numbers will have terminating decimals and which will be repeating: , and . Then check your answers by explicitly performing the long divisions and expressing these rational numbers as decimals.
Solution:
A rational number p/q (in lowest terms) has a terminating decimal if and only if the denominator q has no prime factors other than 2 and 5.
(i)
20 = 22 × 5
Since the denominator has only the prime factors 2 and 5, the decimal expansion is terminating.
Verification:
= 0.35

Hence, the given rational number is a terminating decimal.
(ii)
15 = 3 × 5
Since the denominator has a prime factor 3 (other than 2 or 5), the decimal expansion is non-terminating repeating.
Verification:
= 0.2666… = 0.2

Hence, the given rational number is a repeating decimal.
(iii)
250 = 2 × 53
Since the denominator has only the prime factors 2 and 5, the decimal expansion is terminating.
Verification:
= 0.052

Hence, the given rational number is a terminating decimal.
2. Perform the long division for . Identify the repeating block of digits. Does it show cyclic properties if you evaluate ? Now compute , , etc. What do you notice?
Solution:

= 0.
Repeating block: 076923 (6 digits)
Now,
= 0.
= 0.
= 0.
= 0.
=
Observations:
These decimal expansions show a cyclic property. The repeating digits are the same (0, 7, 6, 9, 2, 3) but appear in a different order in each case.
3. Classify the following numbers as rational or irrational:
(i)
(ii)
(iii) 0.33333 …
(iv) 0.123451234512345 …
(v) 1.01001000100001 … (Notice the pattern: Is it repeating a single block?)
Solution:
(i)
= = 9
Since 9 is rational number.
∴ is rational.
(ii)
=
= = 2
Since is irrational.
2is also irrational.
∴ is irrational.
(iii) 0.33333 …
This is a non-terminating repeating decimal.
∴ it is rational.
(iv) 0.123451234512345 …
= 0.
This is a non-terminating repeating decimal.
∴ it is rational.
(v) 1.01001000100001 …
This is a non-terminating, non-repeating decimal.
∴ 1.01001000100001… is an irrational number.
4. The number 0.9 (which means 0.99999 … ) is a rational number. Using algebra (let x = 0.9, multiply by 10, and subtract), explain why 0.9 is exactly equal to 1.
Solution:
Let x = 0.9999… (1)
Multiply both sides by 10:
10x = 9.9999… (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
10x − x = 9.9999… – 0.9999…
9x = 9
x = 1
Since x = 0.9999…, we get:
0.9999… = 1
5. We have seen that the repeating block of is a cyclic number. Try to find more numbers (n) whose reciprocals ( ) produce decimals with repeating blocks that are cyclic.
Solution:
We know that
=
It has a repeating block whose digits appear in cyclic order.
Similarly, we find other values of n such that gives a cyclic repeating decimal.
= 0.
In each case, the digits in the repeating block are the same, and the decimal expansions of
are obtained by cyclic shifts of these digits.
End Of Chapter Exercises
1. Convert the following rational numbers in the form of a terminating decimal or non-terminating and repeating decimal, whichever the case may be, by the process of long division:
(i)
(ii)
Solution:
(i) = 0.06
This is a terminating decimal.

(ii) = 0.2222….
This is a non-terminating and repeating decimal.

2. Prove that is an irrational number.
Solution:
Assume that is rational.
Then it can be written in the form
=
where a and b are integers having no common factor other than 1.
Squaring both sides:
5 =
5b2 = a2
This shows that is divisible by 5, so a is divisible by 5.
Let a = 5k, where k is an integer.
Substituting:
5b2 = (5k)2
5b2 = 25k2
b2 = 5k2
This shows that b2 is divisible by 5, so b is also divisible by 5.
Thus, both a and b are divisible by 5, which contradicts the fact that a and b have no common factor other than 1.
Therefore, our assumption is wrong.
is irrational.
3. Convert the following decimal numbers in the form of .
(i) 12.6 (ii) 0.0120 (iii) 3.0
(iv) 1.2 (v) 0. (vi) 2.0
(vii) 2.12 (viii) 3.12 (ix) 2.
Solution:
(i) 12.6
12.6 = =
(ii) 0.0120
0.0120 = =
(iii) 3.0
Let x = 3.0 …….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 100:
100x = 305.2 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
100x − x = 305.2 – 3.0
99x = 302.2
99x =
x = =
(iv) 1.2
Let x = 1.2…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 100:
100x = 123.5 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
100x − x = 123.5 – 1.2
99x = 122.3
99x =
x =
(v) 0.
Let x = 0.…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 100:
100x = 23. ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
100x − x = 23. – 0.
99x = 23
x =
(vi) 2.0
Let x = 2.0…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 10:
10x = 20.5 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
10x − x = 20.5 – 2.0
9x = 18.5
9x =
x = =
(vii) 2.12
Let x = 2.12…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 10:
10x = 21.25 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
10x − x = 21.25 – 2.12
9x = 19.13
9x =
x =
(viii) 3.12
Let x = 3.12…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 10:
10x = 31.25 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
10x − x = 31.25 – 3.12
9x = 28.13
9x =
x =
(ix) 2.
Let x = 2.………. (1)
Multiply both sides by 10000:
10000x = 21625.………… (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
1000x – x = 21625. – 2.
9999x = 21623
x =
4. Locate the following rational numbers on the number line.
(i) 0.532 (ii) 1.1
Solution:
(i) 0.532
Here, 0.532 =
To locate on the number line:
Divide the segment from 0 to 1 into 10 equal parts. Each part represents 0.1.
Take the point 0.5.
Now divide the segment from 0.5 to 0.6 into 10 equal parts. Each part represents 0.01.
Take the point 0.53.
Now divide the segment from 0.53 to 0.54 into 10 equal parts. Each part represents 0.001.
Take the second division after 0.53.
So, we get the point 0.532 on the number line.

(ii) 1.1
Let x = 1.1…….. (1)
Multiply both sides by 10:
10x = 11.5 ……. (2)
Now subtract equation (1) from equation (2):
10x − x = 11.5 – 1.1
9x = 10.4
9x =
x = =
To locate on the number line:
= = 1 +
So it lies between 1 and 2.
Divide the segment from 1 to 2 into 45 equal parts.
Mark the point 7th division to the right of 1.
This point represents on the number line.

5. Find 6 rational numbers between 3 and 4.
Solution:
Multiply the numerator and denominator by 7,
3 = = , 4 = =
Now six rational numbers between and :
, , , , , .
So, six rational numbers between 3 and 4 are , , , , , .
6. Find 5 rational numbers between and .
Solution:
Convert both fractions to a common denominator:
= = and = =
Now pick five numbers between and :
, , , ,
So, five rational numbers between and are
, , , , .
7. Find 5 rational numbers between and .
Solution:
Convert both fractions to a common denominator:
= = and = =
Now pick five numbers between and :
, , , ,
So, five rational numbers between and are
, , , , .
8. If + = , find the rational number x.
Solution:
+ =
LCM of 3 and 5 = 15
+ =
x =
x = 2.
9. Let a and b be two non-zero rational numbers such that a + = 0. Without assigning any numerical values, determine whether ab is positive or negative. Justify your answer.
Solution:
a + = 0
a = –
ab = a⋅b = –⋅b = –1
ab = –1
So, ab is negative.
10. A rational number has a terminating decimal expansion whose last non-zero digit occurs in the 4th decimal place. Show that such a number can be written in the form , where p is an integer not divisible by 10. Is it necessary that the denominator of this rational number, when written in the lowest form, is divisible by 24 or 54? Give reasons.
Solution:
Let the rational number be x. Since its decimal expansion terminates and the last non-zero digit is at the 4th decimal place, we can write
x = 0.a1a2a3a4, where a4 ≠ 0
Multiplying by , we get
104x = a1a2a3a4 = p (an integer)
x =
Since , p is not divisible by 10.
Now,
104 = (2 × 5)4 = 24 × 54
When is written in lowest terms, common factors of 2 and/or 5 may cancel.
Therefore, it is necessary that the denominator in the lowest form is divisible by 24 or 54.
11. Without performing division, determine whether the decimal expansion of is terminating or non-terminating. If it terminates, state the number of decimal places.
Solution:
Prime factorisation of the denominator:
125 = 5 × 5 × 5 = 53
Since the denominator has only the prime factor 5, the decimal expansion is terminating.
Further,
= =
So, the decimal expansion terminates and has 3 decimal places.
12. A rational number in its lowest form has a denominator 23 × 5. How many decimal places will its decimal expansion have? Explain your answer.
Solution:
Given denominator = 23 × 5 = 8 × 5 = 40.
Since the denominator has the prime factors 2 and 5, the decimal expansion is terminating.
To find the number of decimal places, make the denominator a power of 10.
So multiply by :
23 × 5 × 52 = 23 × 53 = 103
Thus, the denominator becomes .
Hence, the decimal expansion will terminate and have 3 decimal places.
13. Let a = and b = . Express both a and b in the form and where k1, k2 and m are integers and k2 – k1 > 6. Using the same denominator m, write exactly five distinct rational numbers lying between a and b, keeping an integer numerator. Explain why the condition k2 – k1 > n + 1 is necessary to find n such rational numbers between the two rational numbers a and b using this method.
Solution:
Given, a = and b =
Convert to a common denominator:
a = = = , b = = =
Here
k1 = 14, k2= 20, m = 24
k2 – k1 = 20 – 14 = 6
So we need a larger common denominator. Scaling up to m = 48
a = = = = , b = = = =
Now
k1 = 28, k2 = 40, m = 48
k2 – k1 = 40 – 28 = 12 > 6
Numbers between 28 and 40 are 29, 30, 31, 32, 33.
So, the required rational numbers are , , , , .
Explanation:
With a shared denominator, the only candidates are fractions with integer numerators strictly between k₁ and k₂. There are exactly k₂ – k₁ – 1 such integers. To fit at least n of them:
14. Three rational numbers x, y, z satisfy x + y + z = 0 and xy + yz + zx = 0. Show that all the rational numbers x, y, z must be simultaneously zero.
Solution:
Given that
x + y + z = 0 ……….. (1)
xy + yz + zx = 0 …………. (2)
Squaring equation (1),
(x + y + z)2 = 0
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2(xy + yz + zx) = 0
Using equation (2)
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2(0) = 0
x2 + y2 + z2 = 0
Since x, y, z are rational numbers, each of is non-negative.
A sum of non-negative terms equals zero if and only if every term is zero:
x2 = 0, y2 = 0, z2 = 0
∴ x = 0, y = 0, z = 0
15. Show that the rational number lies between the rational numbers a and b.
Solution:
Let us assume a < b.
Since a < b, adding a to both sides:
a + a < a + b
2a < (a + b)
a <
Again, since a < b, adding b to both sides:
a + b < b + b
(a + b) < 2b
< b
Therefore,
a < < b
Hence, lies between a and b.
16. Find the lengths of the hypotenuses of all the right triangles in Fig. 3.14 which is referred to as the square root spiral.

Solution:
This is the square root spiral. Each triangle in the spiral is formed by taking one given leg and the previous hypotenuse as the other leg.
1st triangle:
Hypotenuse = = 1
2nd triangle:
Hypotenuse = =
3rd triangle:
Hypotenuse = =
4th triangle:
Hypotenuse = = =
Continuing this pattern, each time:
New hypotenuse =
Therefore, the hypotenuses are:
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