Sure, let's carefully examine each of the given options to determine which one represents a mixed number.
1. Option A: 2.3
- 2.3 is a decimal number. A decimal number does not consist of both a whole number and a fraction. Therefore, 2.3 is not a mixed number.
2. Option B: [tex]\( \frac{2}{5} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \frac{2}{5} \)[/tex] is a proper fraction. A proper fraction means the numerator is less than the denominator, thus it only consists of a single fraction and does not have a whole number part. So, [tex]\( \frac{2}{5} \)[/tex] is not a mixed number.
3. Option C: [tex]\( \frac{5}{2} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \frac{5}{2} \)[/tex] is an improper fraction. An improper fraction has a numerator greater than the denominator, but it is still in fraction form and not separated into a whole number and a fraction. Therefore, [tex]\( \frac{5}{2} \)[/tex] is not a mixed number.
4. Option D: [tex]\( 2 \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( 2 \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] is a mixed number because it consists of a whole number (2) and a proper fraction ([tex]\( \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]). This fits the definition of a mixed number, which combines a whole number and a fraction.
Based on this detailed analysis, the best answer to the question "Which of the following is a mixed number?" is:
D. [tex]\( 2 \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]
