Is -7 a rational number? This question may seem straightforward, but it raises an interesting discussion about the nature of numbers and their classification. In this article, we will explore the concept of rational numbers and determine whether -7 fits into this category.
Rational numbers are defined as numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. This means that a rational number can be written in the form p/q, where p and q are integers and q is not equal to zero. The set of rational numbers includes all integers, as every integer can be expressed as a fraction with a denominator of 1.
To determine if -7 is a rational number, we need to check if it can be written as a fraction of two integers. In this case, -7 can be expressed as -7/1, where both -7 and 1 are integers. Since the denominator is not zero, -7 meets the criteria for being a rational number.
Moreover, the negative sign in front of the number does not affect its classification as a rational number. The negative sign simply indicates that the number is less than zero, but it does not change the fact that -7 can be represented as a fraction of two integers. Therefore, -7 is indeed a rational number.
It is worth noting that rational numbers have several properties that make them distinct from other types of numbers. For instance, rational numbers are closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (except for division by zero). This means that when you perform arithmetic operations on rational numbers, the result will always be a rational number.
In conclusion, -7 is a rational number because it can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, -7/1. This example highlights the importance of understanding the definition of rational numbers and how they are classified based on their representation as fractions. By exploring the concept of rational numbers, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich structure and properties of the number system.
