Whole Numbers

Elementary SchoolMiddle School

Definition

Numbers such as 1, 2, 3. These do not have decimals and are not fractions. There are also no negative in whole numbers. 0 is also considered a whole number.

Worked examples

\(0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, \dots\)

These are whole numbers — they start at zero and count up with no fractions or negatives.

\(12 + 8 = 20\)

Adding whole numbers gives another whole number.

Common mistakes

\(-3\) is a whole number → \(-3\) is an integer, not a whole number Whole numbers are never negative; integers include negatives.
\(2.5\) is a whole number → \(2\) and \(3\) are whole numbers, but \(2.5\) is not Whole numbers have no decimal or fractional part.
Whole numbers start at \(1\) → Whole numbers start at \(0\) Zero is included in the whole numbers.

Where you'll use it next

Whole numbers are the foundation for learning integers, rational numbers, and place value. You'll use them in arithmetic operations, number theory, counting problems, and as you build toward fractions and algebra.

Found in 4 StudyPug lessons

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