Sure, let's analyze each option to determine which one is a whole number.
A whole number is defined as a non-negative integer. That means it must be an integer (not a fraction or decimal), and it must be zero or positive.
Option a: [tex]\(\frac{1}{4}\)[/tex]
- [tex]\(\frac{1}{4}\)[/tex] is equal to 0.25.
- 0.25 is a decimal number and not an integer.
- Therefore, [tex]\(\frac{1}{4}\)[/tex] is not a whole number.
Option b: 3.7
- 3.7 is a decimal number.
- Decimals are not integers.
- Therefore, 3.7 is not a whole number.
Option c: -5
- -5 is an integer, but it is negative.
- Whole numbers are non-negative.
- Therefore, -5 is not a whole number.
Option d: 231
- 231 is an integer.
- It is also non-negative.
- Therefore, 231 is a whole number.
By examining each option, we find that the only number that meets the criteria of being a whole number is:
d. 231
Thus, the number that is a whole number is option d, 231.