Final answer:
The irrational number among the options is √12, as it cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers and the square root of 3 is an irrational number.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which number among the provided options is irrational. An irrational number is one that cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers and has a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansion.
Let's evaluate each option:
- √12: This simplifies to 2√3. Since √3 is not a perfect square, it is an irrational number.
- √36: This simplifies to 6, which is a perfect square and an integer, so it is rational.
- √64: This simplifies to 8, which is a perfect square and an integer, so it is rational.
- √144: This simplifies to 12, which is a perfect square and an integer, so it is rational.
The only irrational number in the options given is √12, so the correct answer is A) √12.