How do you determine if a number is a rational number?

A number is classified as a rational number if it can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the numerator is an integer and the denominator is a non-zero integer. This definition encompasses a wide variety of numbers, including whole numbers, fractions, and terminating or repeating decimals.

For example, the fraction 1/2 is a rational number because it is made up of two integers (1 and 2). Similarly, the whole number 3 can also be expressed as 3/1, thus fitting into the definition of a rational number as well.

The other options do not accurately capture the full definition of rational numbers. While whole numbers are a subset of rational numbers, not all rational numbers must be whole. A number with a repeating decimal representation or a finite decimal representation is also rational, although the option mentioning non-repeating decimal representations suggests that such decimals are irrational, which is not the case. Additionally, the condition of being a negative number does not inherently define a rational number, as rationality is independent of the number’s sign.