We want to determine whether the given number belongs to each set. We can start by recalling the definition of each of the three sets, then we can check which of them is satisfied by our number. Let's take a look at a table with definitions of whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers.
Definition
Whole Number
A number that is an integer and is greater than 0.
Integer
A positive or negative number that does not have any digits after the decimal point. 0 is also an integer. Integers include whole numbers.
Rational Number
A number that can be represented by a fraction ab, in which a and b are integers and b cannot be 0. Any integer is also a rational number.
With this in mind, let's take a look at the given table and the number.
Whole Number
Integer
Rational Number
-34
First, let's check if the given number is a whole number. Notice that -34 is not a positive number. It is negative. Therefore, it is not a whole number.
Whole Number
Integer
Rational Number
-34
*
Next, we will determine whether -34 is an integer. We know that -34 does not have any digits after the decimal point, so we can say that it is an integer. Notice that, as we mentioned before, integers are also rational numbers. That means -34 is also a rational number. Finally, we can complete the given table.
