To which subset of real numbers does - 3 belong?

A) Integers

B) Irrational Numbers

C) Integers and Rational Numbers

D) Whole Numbers, Integers, and Rational Numbers

Answer: C) integers and rational numbers

Explanation:

The set of integers is { ..., - 3, - 2, - 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ... } basically any number that does not have a decimal or fractional part to it. We can say that this set is composed of positive and negative whole numbers along with 0. So this is why - 3 is in the set of integers.

The value - 3 is not in the set of whole numbers because the set of whole numbers is {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... }, so this rules out choice D.

Choice B is also eliminated because - 3 is a rational number. We can write - 3 as a fraction of two integers, example: - 3 = - 3/1. Any rational number is not irrational, and vice versa.

Choice A is ruled out because it's not the most complete answer (though its technically true).