What is the term for a number that can be expressed in the form of p/q where p and q are integers and q is not zero?

A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, where the numerator is an integer (p) and the denominator is a non-zero integer (q). This definition encompasses a broad range of numbers, including standard fractions, integers (which can be expressed as a fraction with a denominator of 1), and terminating or repeating decimals.

Understanding this concept is pivotal in mathematics because rational numbers can be manipulated using standard arithmetic operations. Additionally, they occupy a crucial position on the number line, sitting between integers and providing a way to represent values that are not whole numbers.

Other types of numbers mentioned in the choices do not fit this definition. Integers are whole numbers that can include positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero but do not encompass fractions. Whole numbers include all positive integers and zero, excluding negative numbers and fractions completely. Complex numbers extend beyond the realm of rational numbers by including imaginary components, which are not part of the simple definition of a rational number.