Find a rational number between -3 and 8.

Explanation

To find a rational number between -3 and 8, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the two numbers
We have two numbers:
- \( x = -3 \)
- \( y = 8 \)

### Step 2: Check the relationship between the numbers
We can see that \( -3 < 8 \). This confirms that -3 is less than 8.

### Step 3: Use the formula for the average
To find a rational number between two numbers, we can use the formula for the average:
\[ \text{Rational Number} = \frac{x + y}{2} \]

### Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula
Now, substitute \( x \) and \( y \) into the formula:
\[ \text{Rational Number} = \frac{-3 + 8}{2} \]

### Step 5: Calculate the sum
Calculate the sum of -3 and 8:
\[ -3 + 8 = 5 \]

### Step 6: Divide by 2
Now, divide the sum by 2:
\[ \text{Rational Number} = \frac{5}{2} \]

### Step 7: Convert to decimal (if needed)
The fraction \( \frac{5}{2} \) can also be expressed as a decimal:
\[ \frac{5}{2} = 2.5 \]

### Final Answer
Thus, a rational number between -3 and 8 is \( \frac{5}{2} \) or 2.5.

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