To determine whether the number \(-2 + -9\) is rational or irrational, we first simplify the expression:
\[ -2 + -9 = -2 - 9 = -11 \]
A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers (where the denominator is not zero). The number \(-11\) can be expressed as:
\[ \frac{-11}{1} \]
Since both \(-11\) (numerator) and \(1\) (denominator) are integers, \(-11\) is a rational number.
Therefore, \(-2 + -9\) is a rational number.