Which of the following is true about -9 ?

It is an integer but not a rational number
It is a whole number but not an integer
It is both an integer and a whole number
It is an integer but not a whole number

1 answer

The correct statement about -9 is:

It is an integer but not a whole number.

Here's the reasoning:

  • Integer: -9 is an integer because integers include all whole numbers and their negative counterparts (e.g., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

  • Whole Number: Whole numbers are defined as non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). Since -9 is negative, it does not qualify as a whole number.

  • Rational Number: -9 is also a rational number because it can be expressed as a fraction (-9/1).

Therefore, the statement that applies is that -9 is an integer but not a whole number.