What is a Whole Number

Our journey into the world of mathematics starts with learning of numbers. As you start learning further, you realize that there are many types of numbers. There are various ways in which numbers can be classified according to different criteria. The most basic set of numbers are the natural numbers and whole numbers. There seems to be confusion regarding what exactly is a whole number, which I plan to clear out through this article. Along the way, I will also review some of its prime properties.

Before we go ahead, let us see what exactly is a number. A number is basically a symbol which represents a complete or indefinite quantity. It is a symbol which helps us express the quantity of objects, things and magnitude of real world measurements. Most importantly, these quantifying symbols, which we call numbers are the objects on which mathematical operations are carried out.

The prime operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in mathematics carried out on these numbers, helps is in establishing the relation between different quantities. This part of mathematics which deals with numbers and operations carried out on them, is known as 'Arithmetic'.

What Exactly is a Whole Number?

Natural numbers are the set of numerals beginning from 1 and extending up to infinity. The set of natural numbers can be represented as (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . . . . ). Whole numbers are the set of natural numbers with zero added in. That is, the set of whole numbers begins from '0' and extend up till infinity. So the entire set of these numbers is - (0, 1 , 2, 3, 4. . . . ) extending till infinity. They are countably infinite. Another thing to note is that all whole numbers are essentially positive in value. These numbers are the set of all positive integers with zero included.

The numbers are named as 'Whole', as they include no fractional or decimal part. To put it simply, they are 'exact' numbers, which are wholly rounded up with no associated decimal extension. All prime numbers are essentially whole numbers. In fact, prime numbers are known as the building blocks of all whole numbers.

A Consecutive Whole Number

A consecutive whole number in a set is the one that precedes or succeeds a whole number. For example, '1, 2, 3' is a set of consecutive whole numbers. They are arranged successively and each number when subtracted from its preceding number yield the value 1.

Smallest Whole Number

Zero is the smallest whole number as there is no other number that is lesser than zero in that set.

Largest Whole Number

There is no largest whole number as the set extends up till infinity. So the largest whole number is positive infinity, which is a number that is greater than any other number you can imagine.

As discussed previously, the simplest way of identifying whole numbers is to check whether they have an extended 'decimal' part. If there isn't, that means the number is 'wholesome', with no additional fractional part in it.