Why is the number -2/11 a rational number?

A.
It is the quotient of -2 divided by -11.
B.
It is the quotient of -11 divided by 2.
C.
It is the quotient of 2 divided by -11.
D.
It is the quotient of -11 divided by -2.

1 answer

A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers (where the denominator is not zero). In this case, -2/11 is a fraction where -2 (the numerator) and 11 (the denominator) are both integers.

To answer the question, the correct choice would be:

None of the options correctly describe the quotient that defines -2/11 as a rational number, but the simplest explanation is that it can be expressed as the quotient of -2 and 11. However, if forced to choose from the given options, none correctly relate to -2/11 specifically.

If you are looking for a justification based solely on the definition of rational numbers, it would be that -2/11 is indeed a rational number because it can be expressed as the quotient of -2 divided by 11, rather than any of the options listed.