Is -12 a Rational Number?
Rational numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics, representing numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers. In other words, a rational number is any number that can be written in the form p/q, where p and q are integers and q is not equal to zero. With this definition in mind, let’s explore whether -12 is a rational number.
To determine if -12 is a rational number, we need to check if it can be expressed as a fraction of two integers. In this case, we can write -12 as -12/1, where the numerator (-12) and the denominator (1) are both integers. Since -12 can be represented in this form, it meets the criteria for being a rational number.
Moreover, -12 can also be expressed as a fraction with different integers for the denominator. For example, we can write -12 as -6/2, -3/1, or even -12/3. Each of these fractions represents -12, and all have integer numerators and denominators. This further confirms that -12 is indeed a rational number.
It is important to note that rational numbers can be positive, negative, or zero. In the case of -12, it is a negative rational number. Negative rational numbers are simply rational numbers with a negative sign in front of them. This means that -12 is a negative rational number, just like 1/2 or -3/4.
In conclusion, -12 is a rational number because it can be expressed as a fraction of two integers. This property holds true for all rational numbers, regardless of whether they are positive, negative, or zero. Understanding the concept of rational numbers is crucial in various mathematical fields, as they are widely used in arithmetic, algebra, and calculus.
