To find the whole number and the rational number to the nearest half that \(\sqrt{40}\) is between, let's first calculate the approximate value of \(\sqrt{40}\).
\[ \sqrt{40} \approx 6.32 \]
Now let's determine the whole numbers it lies between. Since \(6.32\) is greater than \(6\) and less than \(7\), we can identify that:
\(\sqrt{40}\) is between 6 and 7.
Next, let's round \(\sqrt{40}\) to the nearest half. The nearest halves surrounding \(6.32\) are \(6.0\) and \(6.5\). Since \(6.32\) is closer to \(6.5\) than \(6.0\), we can conclude that:
\(\sqrt{40}\) rounded to the nearest half is approximately 6.5.
Putting this together, we can conclude:
\(\sqrt{40}\) is between 6 and 7, and rounded to the nearest half, it is approximately 6.5.