Final answer:
The number 5 1/2 is a rational number and a real number but not a whole number, an integer, or an irrational number.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number 5 1/2 is not a whole number or an integer, because it contains a fractional part. However, it is a rational number because it can be expressed as a ratio of two integers (in this case, 11/2). Additionally, 5 1/2 is a real number because all rational numbers are also real numbers.
Finally, 5 1/2 is not an irrational number because irrational numbers cannot be expressed as simple fractions or ratios of integers; they have non-terminating, non-repeating decimal expansions, such as π or the square root of 2.