To determine the type of number that results from the expression \( \frac{5}{12} \cdot \sqrt{16} \), let's analyze the components:
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Evaluate \( \sqrt{16} \): \[ \sqrt{16} = 4 \] This is a rational number.
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Evaluate \( \frac{5}{12} \): \[ \frac{5}{12} \] This is also a rational number.
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Multiply the two results: \[ \frac{5}{12} \cdot 4 = \frac{5 \cdot 4}{12} = \frac{20}{12} = \frac{5}{3} \]
Now, \( \frac{5}{3} \) is a rational number.
Given these considerations, the correct answer is:
Rational, because both numbers are rational.