The phrase "what type of number is" typically introduces a classification or identification question about numbers. Numbers can be classified into different types based on their properties and representations. Common types of numbers include:

• Natural numbers: Counting numbers like 1, 2, 3, etc. Sometimes includes 0 (whole numbers).
• Integers: Whole numbers and their negatives, e.g., ..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...
• Rational numbers: Numbers expressed as a ratio of two integers, e.g., 1/2, -2/3.
• Irrational numbers: Real numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers, e.g., π, √2.
• Real numbers: All rational and irrational numbers.
• Imaginary numbers: Multiples of the imaginary unit i, where i2=−1i^2=-1i2=−1.
• Complex numbers: Numbers composed of a real and an imaginary part, e.g., 3+4i3+4i3+4i.

This list covers the major categories for classifying numbers based on typical mathematical properties.