Algebra Practice Test: Prep & Practice Questions for Exam Readiness

A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. This means that a rational number can be represented in the form \( \frac{p}{q} \), with \( p \) and \( q \) being integers and \( q \neq 0 \).

This definition encompasses a wide range of numbers, including whole numbers (which can be expressed as fractions with a denominator of one), fractions, and terminating or repeating decimals. For instance, the number \( \frac{1}{2} \) is a rational number, as are 4 (which can be written as \( \frac{4}{1} \)) and 0.333... (which can be expressed as \( \frac{1}{3} \)).

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of rational numbers. While a repeating decimal can represent a rational number, it is not exclusive to all rational numbers. A rational number is not limited to whole numbers or negative integers alone; it encompasses any number that fits the criteria of being a quotient of two integers.