Yes, mixed numbers are indeed rational numbers. A mixed number consists of a whole number and a proper fraction combined together, such as 2 1/2 or 3 3/4.
To understand why mixed numbers are rational, we need to recall that a rational number is defined as any number 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.
For example, the mixed number 2 1/2 can be converted into an improper fraction. To do this, you can multiply the whole number (2) by the denominator (2) and add the numerator (1), giving you a total of 5. This results in the improper fraction 5/2, which clearly fits the definition of a rational number.
In summary, because mixed numbers can be expressed as improper fractions, they are classified as rational numbers.