Answered

Which number produces a rational number when multiplied by [tex]$\frac{1}{3}$[/tex]?

A. [tex]$\sqrt{12}$[/tex]
B. [tex]$2.236067978 \ldots$[/tex]
C. [tex]$\frac{3}{7}$[/tex]
D. [tex]$\pi$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which number produces a rational number when multiplied by \(\frac{1}{3}\), we need to examine each option individually. Let's analyze each option step-by-step.

### Option A: \(\sqrt{12}\)
The number \(\sqrt{12}\) represents the square root of 12.

- The square root of any number that is not a perfect square is an irrational number.
- \( \sqrt{12} \) is not a perfect square since 12 can only be factored into \(\sqrt{4 \cdot 3} = 2\sqrt{3}\), and \(\sqrt{3}\) is irrational.

Hence, multiplying an irrational number by \(\frac{1}{3}\) will not yield a rational number.

### Option B: \(2.236067978 \ldots\)
The number \(2.236067978 \ldots\) is a decimal approximation.

- Specifically, this approximation is very close to \(\sqrt{5}\), which is an irrational number.
- Because \(\sqrt{5}\) is irrational, the exact value cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.

Multiplying an irrational number by \(\frac{1}{3}\) results in another irrational number.

### Option C: \(\frac{3}{7}\)
The number \(\frac{3}{7}\) is already presented as a fraction, which is a rational number.

- Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers.
- Multiplying two rational numbers results in another rational number.

In this case, multiplying \(\frac{3}{7}\) by \(\frac{1}{3}\):
[tex]\[ \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{3}{7} = \frac{1 \times 3}{3 \times 7} = \frac{3}{21} = \frac{1}{7} \][/tex]

Since \(\frac{1}{7}\) is a rational number, Option C produces a rational number when multiplied by \(\frac{1}{3}\).

### Option D: \(\pi\)
The number \(\pi\) (pi) is a well-known irrational number.

- \(\pi\) cannot be expressed as a precise fraction of two integers.

Multiplying an irrational number by \(\frac{1}{3}\) results in another irrational number.

### Conclusion
Among the given options, the only number that remains rational when multiplied by \(\frac{1}{3}\) is Option C, \(\frac{3}{7}\).

Therefore, the answer is C. [tex]\(\frac{3}{7}\)[/tex].

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