1. **Stating the problem:** We need to understand what a rational number is and provide an example. 2. **Definition:** A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction $$\frac{p}{q}$$ of two integers, where $$p$$ and $$q$$ are integers and $$q \neq 0$$. 3. **Important rules:** - The denominator $$q$$ cannot be zero because division by zero is undefined. - Both numerator $$p$$ and denominator $$q$$ must be integers (whole numbers, positive or negative). 4. **Example:** - $$\frac{3}{4}$$ is a rational number because 3 and 4 are integers and 4 is not zero. - Another example is $$-\frac{7}{2}$$. - Even integers like 5 can be written as $$\frac{5}{1}$$, so they are rational numbers too. 5. **Summary:** Rational numbers include fractions, integers, and negative fractions as long as they can be written as $$\frac{p}{q}$$ with integer $$p$$ and nonzero integer $$q$$.