Which statement best describes rational numbers?

Which statement best describes rational numbers?

• A. Can be written as a ratio of two integers.
• B. Must have non-terminating, non-repeating decimals.
• C. Are only integers.
• D. Cannot be expressed as fractions.

Answer: (A)

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a ratio of two integers, such as 3/4 or -7/2. Since any integer n equals n/1, integers are included as rational numbers. The decimal form of a rational number either terminates or repeats a pattern (for example, 3/4 = 0.75, 1/3 = 0.333...). This distinguishes them from irrational numbers, which do not have terminating or repeating decimals. Therefore, describing rational numbers as ratios of two integers captures the essential idea.

Rational numbers are numbers that can be written as a ratio of two integers, such as 3/4 or -7/2. Since any integer n equals n/1, integers are included as rational numbers. The decimal form of a rational number either terminates or repeats a pattern (for example, 3/4 = 0.75, 1/3 = 0.333...). This distinguishes them from irrational numbers, which do not have terminating or repeating decimals. Therefore, describing rational numbers as ratios of two integers captures the essential idea.