What defines rational numbers?

Rational numbers are defined as numbers that can be expressed in the form of a fraction, where both the numerator and the denominator are integers, and the denominator is not zero. This means that any number that can be written as a quotient of two integers qualifies as a rational number. For example, 1/2, -3/4, and 5 are all rational numbers because they can be represented as fractions (5 can be written as 5/1).

This definition encompasses a broad range of numbers, including positive numbers, negative numbers, zero, whole numbers, and fractions. Hence, recognizing that rational numbers include any number that can be expressed as a fraction is key to understanding their characteristics in the context of mathematics.