I need to know why -4 is a rational I am very confused. I am doing my homework and have been stuck on this question the whole time I thought that it would be a intger.
edit:thanks for the help
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2Is an apple a fruit? – Thomas Andrews Oct 26 '17 at 02:30
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Every integer is a rational number. – Lubin Oct 26 '17 at 02:31
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If this is an apple, how can it also be a fruit? – Thomas Andrews Oct 26 '17 at 02:31
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$\mathbb{Q}={\frac{p}{q}|p\in\mathbb{Z}, q\in\mathbb{N}_{>0}}$. Do you find such a notation for $-4$? Which? – Cornman Oct 26 '17 at 02:32
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$-4=\frac{-4}{1}$, ie is representable by $\frac{a}{b}$ where $b \ne 0$ and $a$ and $b$ are integers. – Travis Oct 26 '17 at 02:44
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Although you have already received answers it is still in your best interest and the interest of the community to mention what you have tried. – Travis Oct 26 '17 at 02:53
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A number is rational if it can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, which $-4$ can: $\frac{-4}{1}$. It is also an integer; the set of integers is a subset of the set of rational numbers.
Noor
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$-4 = \frac{-4}{1}$, that is to say, it can be represented as a ratio in the form $\frac{a}{b}$ where $b \ne 0$ and $a$ and $b$ are integers. This is the definition of a rational number.
$-4$ is also an integer, and integers are a subset of rational numbers.
Travis
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The set of all integers are in the set of rationals. Just like how the set of all naturals are in set of integers.
ConquestAce
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