The correct explanation for why \( \frac{ad + bc}{bd} \) is a rational number involves understanding the properties of integers and rational numbers.
To clarify, let's analyze the expression \( \frac{ad + bc}{bd} \):
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Identifying the Parts:
- In this case, \( ad + bc \) is a sum of products of integers. Since \( a, b, c, \) and \( d \) are all integers, both \( ad \) and \( bc \) are also integers. Therefore, their sum \( ad + bc \) is also an integer.
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Denominator:
- The product \( bd \) is also an integer because it is the product of two integers (\( b \) and \( d \)), and since both \( b \) and \( d \) are non-zero, \( bd \) is non-zero.
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Quotients of Integers:
- A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as a quotient \( \frac{p}{q} \) where \( p \) and \( q \) are integers and \( q \neq 0 \). In this case, \( ad + bc \) is an integer, and \( bd \) is a non-zero integer. Thus, \( \frac{ad + bc}{bd} \) represents a quotient of two integers where the denominator is non-zero.
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Conclusion:
- Therefore, since both the numerator (\( ad + bc \)) and denominator (\( bd \)) are integers with \( bd \neq 0\), the expression \( \frac{ad + bc}{bd} \) is indeed a rational number.
The most accurate response from your options is the second one:
"By the Closure Property, \( ad + bc \) and \( bd \) are both integers, and so the fraction with numerator \( ad + bc \) and denominator \( bd \) is a quotient of two integers."
This captures the essence of why the result is a rational number.