Natural numbers

Definition

Natural numbers are the set of positive integers starting from 1 and increasing without bound. They are typically used for counting and ordering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural numbers start from 1 and include all positive integers (1, 2, 3, ...).
2. The set of natural numbers is denoted by the symbol $\mathbb{N}$.
3. Natural numbers do not include zero or any negative numbers.
4. In algebra, natural numbers are often used as coefficients in polynomial expressions.
5. Natural numbers form an infinite set since there is no largest natural number.

Review Questions

• What is the smallest natural number?
• Do natural numbers include zero?
• How can you denote the set of all natural numbers?

Related terms

Integers: The set of whole numbers including positive, negative, and zero, denoted by $\mathbb{Z}$.

Whole Numbers: The set of non-negative integers starting from zero (0, 1, 2, ...).

Rational Numbers: Any number that can be expressed as a fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ where $a$ and $b$ are integers and $b \neq0$, denoted by $\mathbb{Q}$.