← Back to the Irrational Numbers test
Last updated: October 22, 2026 · Written by the Math Made Easy math teachers

Standards: 8.NS.A.1, 8.NS.A.2 · Level: Grade 8
Question 1 Sort the numbers (3 points)
- −5.25 = −214: rational.
- √72 is between 8 and 9 and not a perfect square: irrational.
- √169 = 13: rational.
- Repeating block: rational.
- 2π: irrational.
- √916 = 34: rational.
Irrational: √72 and 2π. Rational: the other four.
Scoring: ½ point per correct label.
Question 2 Decimals and fractions (3 points)
- 0.6125 = 6,12510,000 = 4980.
- Let x = 0.135135…; 1,000x = 135.135…; 999x = 135; x = 135999 = 537.
(a) 4980 (b) 537
Scoring: (a) 1 point. (b) 1 point for the equation 999x = 135, 1 point for the simplified fraction.
Question 3 Estimating a root (2 points)
7² = 49 and 8² = 64, so 7 < √61 < 8. Next, 7.8² = 60.84 and 7.9² = 62.41. Since 61 is much closer to 60.84, the estimate is 7.8.
Between 7 and 8; √61 ≈ 7.8
Scoring: 1 point for the integers, 1 point for 7.8 with a supporting square.
Question 4 Points on a number line (3 points)
3.3² = 10.89 and 3.4² = 11.56, so √11 ≈ 3.32: point B. 3.6² = 12.96 and 3.7² = 13.69, so √13 ≈ 3.61: point C. 3.8² = 14.44 and 3.9² = 15.21, so √15 ≈ 3.87: point D. Point A is 3.1, which is not one of the three roots.
B = √11, C = √13, D = √15
Scoring: 1 point per correct match, with its square check.
Question 5 Order the numbers (2 points)
479 = 4.777… . 4.79² = 22.9441, less than 23, so 4.79 < √23. 4.8² = 23.04, more than 23, so √23 < 4.8. Order: 4.777… < 4.79 < √23 < 4.8.
479, 4.79, √23, 4.8
Scoring: 1 point for the correct order, 1 point for squaring to justify √23.
Question 6 The mural (3 points)
- 9² = 81 and 10² = 100, so the side is between 9 and 10 feet.
- 9.4² = 88.36 and 9.5² = 90.25. Since 90 is closer to 90.25, the side is about 9.5.
- No. 9.5² = 90.25, not 90, so 9.5 is only an approximation of √90, which is irrational.
(a) 9 and 10 (b) 9.5 ft (c) No, 9.5² = 90.25
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 7 Always irrational? (2 points)
Take √2 and √8, both irrational. √2 · √8 = √16 = 4, and 4 is rational. Another example is √3 · √3 = 3.
Claim false: √2 · √8 = 4.
Scoring: 1 point for two irrational factors, 1 point for the rational product.
Question 8 A late-starting repeat (2 points)
Let x = 0.2777…. Then 10x = 2.777… and 100x = 27.777…. Subtract: 90x = 25, so x = 2590 = 518.
518
Scoring: 1 point for 90x = 25, 1 point for the simplified fraction.
