Question

what type of number is $-5.41$? choose all answers that apply: a whole number b integer c rational d irrational

Explanation:

Step1: Define whole numbers

Whole numbers are non-negative integers: $0,1,2,3,...$
$-5.41$ is negative, so not a whole number.

Step2: Define integers

Integers are whole numbers and their negatives: $...,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,...$
$-5.41$ has a decimal part, so not an integer.

Step3: Define rational numbers

Rational numbers can be written as $\frac{p}{q}$ where $p,q$ are integers, $q
eq0$.
$-5.41 = -\frac{541}{100}$, so it is rational.

Step4: Define irrational numbers

Irrational numbers cannot be written as $\frac{p}{q}$ (non-repeating, non-terminating decimals).
$-5.41$ terminates, so not irrational.

Answer:

C. Rational