Whole numbers

Definition

Whole numbers are the set of non-negative integers, including zero. They are commonly used in counting and basic arithmetic operations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Whole numbers include 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on.
2. They do not include fractions or negative numbers.
3. The set of whole numbers is denoted by $\mathbb{W}$ or simply $\text{W}$.
4. Every whole number is also a real number but not every real number is a whole number.
5. Basic operations such as addition, subtraction (when result is non-negative), multiplication, and division (when divisor is non-zero) apply to whole numbers.

Review Questions

• What are the first five whole numbers?
• Is -3 a whole number? Why or why not?
• How does the set of whole numbers relate to the set of real numbers?

Related terms

Integers:

Integers include all positive and negative whole numbers as well as zero.

Natural Numbers:

Natural numbers are the set of positive integers used for counting (i.e., {1, 2, 3,...}).

Real Numbers:

Real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers; they can represent any value on the number line.