The number \(-\frac{1}{2}\) belongs to the set of rational numbers, as it can be expressed as a fraction of two integers (in this case, \(-1\) and \(2\)).
However, it does not belong to the sets of whole numbers, integers, or natural numbers:
- Whole numbers: This set includes all non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). \(-\frac{1}{2}\) is negative and not a whole number.
- Integers: This set includes all whole numbers and their negative counterparts (..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...). While \(-\frac{1}{2}\) is negative, it is not an integer, as integers are whole numbers without any fractional parts.
Given the options, the correct classification is rational numbers.