Which statement describes a rational number?

Which statement describes a rational number?

• A. An integer
• B. Ratio = Fraction
• C. An irrational number
• D. A real number

Answer: (B)

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a ratio of two integers. That means they can be expressed as a fraction, and integers themselves fit this form since any integer can be written as that integer over 1. So describing a rational number as a ratio that equals a fraction captures the whole idea. An integer by itself is only one example of a rational number, not the general description. An irrational number cannot be written as such a ratio. A real number includes both rational and irrational numbers, so it’s broader than the term rational. For example, 3/4 and -2 are rational, while sqrt(2) is not.

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a ratio of two integers. That means they can be expressed as a fraction, and integers themselves fit this form since any integer can be written as that integer over 1. So describing a rational number as a ratio that equals a fraction captures the whole idea. An integer by itself is only one example of a rational number, not the general description. An irrational number cannot be written as such a ratio. A real number includes both rational and irrational numbers, so it’s broader than the term rational. For example, 3/4 and -2 are rational, while sqrt(2) is not.