Question

is -2 2/43 a rational number, a whole number, an irrational number, or an integer? Choose all that apply

Answer 1

The number \(-2 \frac{2}{43}\) is a mixed number, which can be converted to an improper fraction.

To better understand its classifications:

1. **Rational Number**: Yes, all numbers that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers (where the denominator is not zero) are rational numbers. This number can be expressed as a fraction: \( -2 \frac{2}{43} = -\frac{86}{43} - \frac{2}{43} = -\frac{88}{43} \).

2. **Whole Number**: No, whole numbers are non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). Since \(-2 \frac{2}{43}\) is negative, it is not a whole number.

3. **Irrational Number**: No, irrational numbers cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers. Since \(-2 \frac{2}{43}\) is a rational number, it cannot be irrational.

4. **Integer**: Yes, integers include whole numbers and their negatives. Since \(-2 \frac{2}{43}\) is equivalent to a negative value, -2 and a fraction, it itself is not an integer, however, it is close to -3 which is an integer; thus primarily the answer is no.

In conclusion, the classifications that apply to \(-2 \frac{2}{43}\) are:
- **Rational Number**