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 rational numbers
We have two rational numbers:
- \( x = -3 \)
- \( y = 8 \)

### Step 2: Use the formula for finding a rational number between two numbers
We can find a rational number between \( x \) and \( y \) using the formula:
\[ \text{Rational Number} = \frac{x + y}{2} \]

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

### Step 4: Simplify the expression
Calculate the sum in the numerator:
\[ -3 + 8 = 5 \]
Now divide by 2:
\[ \text{Rational Number} = \frac{5}{2} \]

### Step 5: Convert to decimal (if needed)
To express \( \frac{5}{2} \) as a decimal:
\[ \frac{5}{2} = 2.5 \]

### Conclusion
Thus, a rational number between -3 and 8 is:
\[ \frac{5}{2} \text{ or } 2.5 \]

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