FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of a rational number?

1. √2

2. π

3. 3/4

4. e

The correct answer is: 3/4

A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are integers, and the denominator is not zero. In this context, the fraction 3/4 fits this definition perfectly, as both 3 and 4 are integers, and 4 is not zero. On the other hand, the square root of 2 (√2), pi (π), and the number e are all examples of irrational numbers. These numbers cannot be expressed as fractions of integers. For instance, √2 cannot be simplified to a fraction, π is a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal, and the number e (approximately 2.718) also has a decimal expansion that goes on forever without repeating. Thus, among the given options, 3/4 is clearly the only rational number.