Which of the following describes a rational number?

A rational number is defined as any number that can be expressed as a fraction or ratio of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. This includes all integers, finite or terminating decimals, and any repeating decimal. The correct answer encompasses all fractions and terminating decimals because both types of numbers can be converted to a fraction format.

Terminating decimals can be expressed as fractions (for example, 0.75 can be written as 75/100 or 3/4), which makes them rational numbers. Additionally, all fractions inherently represent rational numbers because they consist of integers in the numerator and denominator.

In contrast, non-repeating decimals do not fit the definition of rational numbers since they cannot be expressed as a fraction (for instance, the decimal representation of pi). Non-terminating decimals can also be rational if they are repeating (like 1/3 = 0.333...), but not all non-terminating decimals are rational, which is why this option does not describe rational numbers effectively. Whole numbers by themselves are also rational numbers, but this answer does not capture the full scope of rational numbers. Thus, the most comprehensive and correct description of a rational number is the choice that includes all fractions and terminating decimals.