Is -19 a Rational Number?
In the realm of mathematics, the classification of numbers is a fundamental concept that helps us understand the nature of numbers and their properties. One such classification is between rational and irrational numbers. A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. With this definition in mind, let’s explore whether -19 is a rational number.
To determine if -19 is a rational number, we must first understand its form. The number -19 is an integer, and integers are a subset of rational numbers. However, to be classified as a rational number, -19 must be expressible as a fraction of two integers. In other words, we need to find two integers, a and b, such that -19 = a/b, where b is not equal to zero.
To achieve this, we can simply write -19 as -19/1. Here, a = -19 and b = 1, which are both integers, and b is not zero. Therefore, -19 can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, making it a rational number.
In conclusion, -19 is indeed a rational number. This is because it can be written as a fraction of two integers (-19/1), which aligns with the definition of a rational number. The classification of -19 as a rational number emphasizes the importance of understanding the properties of numbers and their various classifications in the field of mathematics.
