Integers are a set of numbers that includes positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero. They do not include fractions or decimals. Whole numbers are a set of non-negative numbers that do not include fractions or decimals.
What are Integers?
Integers are whole numbers, both positive and negative, along with zero, that do not contain fractions or decimal points.
They are part of the set of real numbers and include all counting numbers (positive integers), their negatives (negative integers), and zero.
Integers are used in various mathematical operations, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.
They serve as a fundamental concept in mathematics, providing a concise way to represent quantities in a wide range of contexts, including counting, measuring, and solving equations. Integers are essential for mathematical modeling, and they play a significant role in computer programming and data analysis.
What are Whole Numbers?
Whole numbers are a set of non-negative, natural numbers, including zero.
They start with zero and continue indefinitely in a positive direction, encompassing all the counting numbers. In essence, whole numbers are integers greater than or equal to zero.
They are used for counting objects, representing values that cannot be divided into fractions or decimals.
Whole numbers serve as fundamental building blocks in mathematics and are employed in various applications, from simple counting and basic arithmetic to more complex mathematical concepts and computer programming.
Integers Vs. Whole numbers – Key differences
| Aspect | Integers | Whole Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Set of positive and negative whole numbers along with zero. | Set of non-negative counting numbers, including zero. |
| Range | Includes both positive and negative numbers. | Excludes negative numbers, only positive whole numbers and zero. |
| Examples | -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ... | 0, 1, 2, 3, ... |
| Use | Used to represent values with or without direction. | Used for counting and non-negative quantities. |
| Arithmetic Operations | Suitable for all arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. | Suitable for addition, subtraction, and multiplication, but not division if division by zero is involved. |
| Mathematical Notation | Often denoted as ℤ (Z in set notation). | Not typically represented with a specific mathematical symbol. |
| Inclusion | A superset of whole numbers. | A subset of integers. |
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Featured Image By – Annette from Pixabay
Image 1 By – Nick Hillier on Unsplash
Image 2 By – Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash
