What is the term for a number that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers?

A number that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers is referred to as a rational number. This definition is foundational to understanding different types of numbers in mathematics. Rational numbers include integers, finite decimals, and repeating decimals. For example, the number ( \frac{1}{2} ) is a rational number because it is the quotient of two integers: 1 and 2.

In contrast, whole numbers are non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.), and while they are a subset of rational numbers, they do not encompass all numbers that can be expressed as fractions. Irrational numbers, on the other hand, cannot be expressed as fractions; they are numbers like ( \sqrt{2} ) or ( \pi ) that have non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansions. Lastly, prime numbers are natural numbers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves, which also does not relate to the definition of being expressible as a fraction of two integers. Thus, rational number is the accurate term for describing numbers that can be expressed in the form of a fraction involving two integers.