FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What type of number can be expressed as the ratio of two integers?

1. Rational numbers

2. Whole numbers

3. Natural numbers

4. Irrational numbers

The correct answer is: Rational numbers

Rational numbers are defined as numbers that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the numerator is an integer and the denominator is a non-zero integer. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding rational numbers, as they encompass both positive and negative values, as well as zero. Rational numbers include common fractions, terminating decimals (like 0.75), and repeating decimals (like 0.333…), all of which fit within the definition of being expressible as a ratio of two integers. In contrast, whole numbers refer to the set of non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.), and natural numbers are the set of positive integers (1, 2, 3, etc.). While all whole and natural numbers can also be represented as a ratio (for example, 3 can be expressed as 3/1), they do not encompass all numbers that can form ratios, particularly those that are negative or fractional. Irrational numbers, on the other hand, cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. They are numbers that cannot be written as a fraction, such as the square root of 2 or pi (π). These numbers have non-repeating, non-termin