Problem 99 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

What are the whole numbers?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Whole numbers are all the numbers beginning from 0 and counting up in positive direction without fractions or decimals. For example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and so on.

Step 1: Understanding Whole Numbers

Whole numbers are simply the numbers that we count with. This includes the number zero (0), and all positive numbers without any fractional or decimal component. They are the simplest numerical figures and include numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. The main thing to remember here is that whole numbers do not include any negative numbers, fractions, or decimals.

Step 2: Enumerating Whole Numbers

To describe whole numbers, just start counting from zero and continue in positive direction. For instance: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and so on.

Step 3: Verifying Whole Numbers

While it is impossible to list all whole numbers, as they are infinite, you can verify a number is a whole number if it fits the criteria outlined in step 1. In other words, if it is zero or positive, and does not have any fractional or decimal component, then it is a whole number.