Problem 101 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

How does the set of integers differ from the set of whole numbers?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The set of integers includes all positive and negative numbers and zero. The set of whole numbers only includes positive numbers and zero. Therefore, the key difference between them is that the integers include negative numbers, unlike the whole numbers. Hence, whole numbers are a subset of integers.

Step 1: Understand the concept of Integers

Integers is a set that includes all whole numbers (both positive and negative) and zero. This means this set consists of numbers such as .., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ..

Step 2: Understand the concept of Whole Numbers

Whole numbers are a set of numbers which include all positive integers from 0 to infinity. These numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, ..

Step 3: Recognise the difference between integers and whole numbers

The key difference between the two sets lies in the fact that integers include negative numbers and zero, while whole numbers only include positive numbers and zero. Whole numbers are a subset of integers.