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Numbers, Whole
Numbers, WholeThe whole number set contains the counting numbers 1, 2, 3,… and the number 0. In mathematics, the whole number set is the most basic number set. Whole numbers are part of the real number set, which contains other number sets, such as the integers and the rational numbers. Using the basic mathematical definition of a set as a collection of objects that share a well-defined property, the whole number set is expressed as W = {0, 1, 2, 3,…}. Starting from 0, each element x of the whole number set is generated by adding one to its predecessor, the number before x, which is x - 1. The use of the ellipsis (…) within the braces signifies that the number of elements in the set is not finite (that is, infinite). Except 0, every whole number x has exactly one immediate predecessor—the number that comes before x. Every whole number y has exactly one immediate successor—the number that comes after y. An interesting characteristic of the whole number set is that there is no largest whole number. Suppose b is the largest whole number, then by definition, b + 1 is also a whole number. But b + 1 is larger than b. This method shows that a larger whole number can always be found. If 0 is removed from the set W, the resultant is the positive integer set P. Thus, P = {1, 2, 3,…}. Some mathematicians also call P natural numbers or counting numbers. see also Integers; Numbers, Rational; Numbers, Real. Frederick Landwehr BibliographyAmdahl, Kenn, and Jim Loats. Algebra Unplugged. Broomfield, CO: Clearwater Publishing Co., 1995. Miller, Charles D., Vern E. Heeren, and E. John Hornsby, Jr. Mathematical Ideas, 9th ed. Boston: Addison-Wesley, 2001. |
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Landwehr, Frederick. "Numbers, Whole." Mathematics. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. Landwehr, Frederick. "Numbers, Whole." Mathematics. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3407500221.html Landwehr, Frederick. "Numbers, Whole." Mathematics. 2002. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3407500221.html |
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whole number
whole number A number that is not fractional or real. It is an integer or a member of some subset of the integers such as the natural numbers.
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JOHN DAINTITH. "whole number." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "whole number." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-wholenumber.html JOHN DAINTITH. "whole number." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-wholenumber.html |
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whole number
whole num·ber • n. a number without fractions; an integer. |
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Cite this article
"whole number." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "whole number." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-wholenumber.html "whole number." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-wholenumber.html |
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