Rational Numbers — Class 8 MCQs with Answers
Class 8 CBSE Mathematics · Chapter 101
Pre-2026 syllabusThis chapter is from the older NCERT book. See the 2026-27 Class 8 Mathematics chapters →
72 practice questions · 24 Easy · 24 Medium · 24 Hard · Updated
Practise the most important Class 8 CBSE Mathematics questions from Chapter 101, "Rational Numbers". You get 9 timed quizzes made from 72 NCERT-based MCQs, with answers and explanations. The questions are split into 24 Easy, 24 Medium and 24 Hard. Warm up on the basics, then move on to the exam-level questions that set top scorers in CBSE Board exams apart.
To score well in "Rational Numbers", focus on fast problem-solving, formula recall and step-by-step working. Each MCQ here is timed and uses exam-style marking (+4 correct, −1 wrong, 0 skipped). This trains you to stay accurate under time pressure, as real papers need. Every question has a short explanation, so a wrong answer becomes a quick lesson. It is the fastest way to fix gaps before a test.
Use this chapter for focused revision. Start with the Easy set to check your basics on Rational Numbers, then move to Medium and Hard to practise applying them. Your accuracy, streaks and XP save automatically. This chapter also adds to your overall Class 8 Mathematics mastery score. 14 sample questions are solved in full below, with the answer and a worked explanation. Sign in free to start practising.
Key concepts: Rational Numbers (Class 8 Mathematics)
This chapter studies rational numbers and their properties under the basic operations, the role of 0 and 1, and how to find rational numbers between any two given ones.
- Rational number
- A number that can be written as p/q where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0.
- Closure & commutativity
- Rationals are closed under +, − and ×; addition and multiplication are commutative and associative, but subtraction and division are not.
- Identity & inverse
- 0 is the additive identity and 1 the multiplicative identity; the additive inverse of a/b is −a/b and the reciprocal is b/a.
- Distributive law
- a × (b + c) = a×b + a×c, used to simplify calculations.
Rational Numbers — important questions & MCQs with answers (Class 8 Mathematics)
14 solved questions from this chapter's difficulty levels, each with its answer and explanation. The other 58 are timed and scored when you sign in.
- Q1Easy
Which of the following is a rational number?
A.√2B.0.75✓ CorrectC.πD.eAnswer: B. 0.75
Explanation: 0.75 = 3/4, a ratio of two integers, so it is rational. √2, π, e are irrational.
- Q2Easy
Find the value of (−5/9) + (2/9).
A.−3/9B.7/9C.−1/3✓ CorrectD.−7/9Answer: C. −1/3
Explanation: With the same denominator, (−5 + 2)/9 = −3/9 = −1/3 in lowest terms.
- Q3Easy
The standard form of −12/18 is:
A.−6/9B.−2/3✓ CorrectC.2/3D.−4/6Answer: B. −2/3
Explanation: Dividing numerator and denominator by their HCF 6 gives −2/3, which is in standard form.
- Q4Easy
The additive inverse of −3/7 is:
A.7/3B.−7/3C.3/7✓ CorrectD.−3/7Answer: C. 3/7
Explanation: Additive inverse of x is −x. So additive inverse of −3/7 is 3/7.
- Q5Easy
Evaluate: (−2/3) × (9/4).
A.−6/7B.3/2C.−18/12D.−3/2✓ CorrectAnswer: D. −3/2
Explanation: (−2 × 9)/(3 × 4) = −18/12 = −3/2 in lowest terms.
- Q6Easy
To represent 5/4 on the number line, between which two integers does it lie?
A.1 and 2✓ CorrectB.0 and 1C.2 and 3D.−1 and 0Answer: A. 1 and 2
Explanation: 5/4 = 1.25, which lies between 1 and 2.
- Q7Medium
The property a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c is called:
A.Commutative propertyB.Distributive property✓ CorrectC.Closure propertyD.Associative propertyAnswer: B. Distributive property
Explanation: Multiplication distributes over addition for rational numbers.
- Q8Medium
Find the sum: 2/3 + (−5/6).
A.−7/6B.1/6C.−1/6✓ CorrectD.−3/6Answer: C. −1/6
Explanation: LCM of 3 and 6 is 6. So 2/3 = 4/6. Then 4/6 + (−5/6) = (4 − 5)/6 = −1/6.
- Q9Medium
A rational number that lies between 1/3 and 1/2 is:
A.2/3B.3/4C.1/4D.5/12✓ CorrectAnswer: D. 5/12
Explanation: 1/3 = 4/12 and 1/2 = 6/12. So 5/12 lies strictly between them.
- Q10Medium
Use distributivity to evaluate: 2/7 × (14/5 + 7/3).
A.22/15✓ CorrectB.4/15C.98/15D.8/15Answer: A. 22/15
Explanation: 2/7 × 14/5 = 4/5 and 2/7 × 7/3 = 2/3; then 4/5 + 2/3 = 12/15 + 10/15 = 22/15.
- Q11Medium
The multiplicative inverse (reciprocal) of −7/8 is:
A.−8/7✓ CorrectB.8/7C.7/8D.−7/8Answer: A. −8/7
Explanation: Reciprocal of x is 1/x. So reciprocal of −7/8 is −8/7.
- Q12Hard
Which statement about rational numbers is INCORRECT?
A.Subtraction of rational numbers is associative.✓ CorrectB.Rational numbers are closed under multiplication.C.Multiplication of rational numbers is associative.D.Addition of rational numbers is commutative.Answer: A. Subtraction of rational numbers is associative.
Explanation: Subtraction is not associative, since (a − b) − c is generally not equal to a − (b − c).
- Q13Hard
Simplify: (3/4 × 2/5) − (1/2 ÷ 3/8).
A.−11/30B.31/30C.−31/30✓ CorrectD.11/30Answer: C. −31/30
Explanation: 3/4 × 2/5 = 3/10. 1/2 ÷ 3/8 = 4/3. Now 3/10 − 4/3 = 9/30 − 40/30 = −31/30.
- Q14Hard
How many rational numbers lie between any two distinct rational numbers?
A.Exactly oneB.At most tenC.A finite numberD.Infinitely many✓ CorrectAnswer: D. Infinitely many
Explanation: Between any two distinct rationals there are infinitely many rationals — the density property.
Start this chapter free
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Start this chapter free →Rational Numbers — FAQs
What are the key concepts in Class 8 Mathematics Rational Numbers?+
This chapter studies rational numbers and their properties under the basic operations, the role of 0 and 1, and how to find rational numbers between any two given ones. Key ideas include Rational number, Closure & commutativity, Identity & inverse, Distributive law.
What does Class 8 Mathematics Chapter 101 (Rational Numbers) cover on XamBaaz?+
It has 72 NCERT-based MCQs on "Rational Numbers": 24 Easy, 24 Medium and 24 Hard. Together they make 9 timed quizzes, and you never get the same set twice. Every question has an instant explanation. They help you prepare for CBSE Board exams.
Are these "Rational Numbers" questions free to practise?+
Yes. Sign in with Google to practise "Rational Numbers" free. Full unlimited access is ₹999/year on a launch offer until 1 December 2026. No chapter is charged separately.
How should I revise "Rational Numbers" for the exam?+
Start with the Easy quiz to check your basics, then try Medium and Hard to practise applying them. There are 9 timed quizzes on this chapter, so you can come back for a fresh set instead of one you have seen. Read each explanation, retry the questions you miss, and track your accuracy until it stays high.
Are these "Rational Numbers" MCQs available with answers?+
Yes. 14 sample questions are shown here in full, each with the correct option and a step-by-step "Why" explanation. Sign in free with Google to start practising, with instant scoring.
Is there negative marking in the "Rational Numbers" quizzes?+
Yes. The timed quizzes use exam-style marking: +4 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one and 0 for a skip. MHT-CET and CBSE board papers have no negative marking. Our mocks for those are scored their way.
What are the important questions from Rational Numbers (Class 8 Mathematics)?+
The questions that matter most test Rational number, Closure & commutativity, Identity & inverse, Distributive law. This page shows 14 solved important MCQs with answers and explanations; all 72 questions on the chapter are available as timed quizzes once you sign in.
Is there an online quiz for Rational Numbers?+
Yes — Class 8 Mathematics Rational Numbers has timed online quizzes at Easy, Medium and Hard levels, with instant scoring and a worked explanation on every question. The first quiz on the chapter is free.