Which of the following accurately describes rational numbers?

Rational numbers are defined as numbers that can be expressed in the form of a fraction, where both the numerator and the denominator are integers, and the denominator is not zero. This definition encompasses integers, whole numbers, and fractions, as long as they can be represented as a ratio of two integer values.

For example, the numbers 1/2, 3 (which can be expressed as 3/1), and -4/5 all qualify as rational numbers because they can be expressed in fraction form. This broad definition also includes terminating and repeating decimals, emphasizing the versatility of rational numbers in various mathematical contexts.

In contrast, the other options either describe sets of numbers that are not inclusive of all rational numbers or define concepts that are fundamentally different from the concept of rationality in numbers. For instance, the first option states that rational numbers cannot be expressed as a fraction, which is the opposite of the true definition. The second option, which limits itself to whole numbers greater than or equal to zero, does not encompass negative integers or fractions. Lastly, the assertion that rational numbers are always positive overlooks rational numbers such as −1/2, which are clearly rational yet negative.

Thus, the identification of rational numbers as any numbers that