Grade 8 · Numbers & operations

Irrational number approximations practice

Irrational number approximations is a grade 8 math skill aligned to Common Core standard 8.NS.A.2: use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare their size and locate them approximately on a number line diagram. Below are 8 practice questions with answers and step-by-step explanations, drawn from the 20 irrational number approximations problems our math games drill.

CCSS 8.NS.A.220 questions in the bank
Sample questions

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Question 1easy

27\sqrt{27} lies between two consecutive integers. Enter the larger one.

52=25<27<36=625^2 = 25 < 27 < 36 = 6^2, so 27\sqrt{27} is between 55 and 66; the larger is 66.

Question 2easy

What integer is closest to 120\sqrt{120}?

112=12111^2 = 121 sits right above 120120 and 12010.95\sqrt{120} \approx 10.95, so the closest integer is 1111.

Question 3easy

What is the integer part of 10+2\sqrt{10} + 2?

103.16\sqrt{10} \approx 3.16, so 10+25.16\sqrt{10} + 2 \approx 5.16; the integer part is 55.

Question 4easy

Which is closest to π\pi?

π3.14159\pi \approx 3.14159.

Question 5easy

Which is closest to 2\sqrt{2}?

21.414\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414.

Question 6easy

Which is closest to 3\sqrt{3}?

31.732\sqrt{3} \approx 1.732.

Question 7easy

Which is closest to 5\sqrt{5}?

52.236\sqrt{5} \approx 2.236.

Question 8easy

40\sqrt{40} is between two consecutive integers. Enter the smaller one.

62=36<40<49=726^2 = 36 < 40 < 49 = 7^2, so 40\sqrt{40} is between 66 and 77; the smaller is 66.

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