• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.237-246
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• 2007

According to 7-th curriculum, irrational number should be introduced using non-repeating infinite decimals. A rational number is defined by a number determined by the ratio of some integer p to some non-zero integer q in 7-th grade. In 8-th grade, A number is rational number if and only if it can be expressed as finite decimal or repeating decimal. A irrational number is defined by non-repeating infinite decimal in 9-th grade. There are misconceptions about a non-repeating infinite decimal. Although 1.4532954$\cdots$ is neither a rational number nor a irrational number, many high school students determine 1.4532954$\cdots$ is a irrational number and 0.101001001$\cdots$ is a rational number. The cause of misconceptions is the definition of a irrational number defined by non-repeating infinite decimals. It is a cause of misconception about a irrational number that a irrational number is defined by a non-repeating infinite decimals and the method of using symbol dots in infinite decimal is not defined in text books.

• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.285-298
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• 2008

According to the 7th curriculum, irrational numbers should be introduced using infinite decimals in 9th grade. To do so, the relation between rational numbers and decimals should be explained in 8th grade. Preceding studies remarked that middle school students could understand the relation between rational numbers and decimals through the division appropriately. From the point of view with the arithmetic handling activity, I analyzed that the integers and terminating decimals was explained as decimals with repeating 0s or 9s. And, I reviewed the equivalent relations between irrational numbers and non-repeating decimals, rational numbers and repeating decimals. Furthermore, I suggested an alternative method of introducing irrational numbers.

• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.159-172
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• 2016

This study examines the approach of introduction of the real numbers through the infinite decimal, which is suggested by Lee Ji-Hyun(2014; 2015) in the aspect of the overcoming the double discontinuity, and analyses Li(2011), which is the mathematical background of the foregoing Lee's. Also, this study compares these construction methods given by Lee and Li with the traditional method using the nested intervals. As a result of analysis, this study shows that Lee Ji-Hyun(2014; 2015) and Li(2011) face the risk of the circulation logic in making the infinite decimal corresponding each point on the geometrical line, and need the steps not using the 'limit to a real number' in order to compensate the mathematical and educational defect. Accordingly, this study raises the opinion that the traditional method of defining the infinite decimal as a sequence by using the geometrical nested intervals axiom would be a appropriate supplementation.