Basic Definitions Relating to Numbers
  • A Number is a quantity.

  • A Numeral is a symbol that represents a number.

  • Natural Numbers are the normal whole numbers used for counting and ordering.

  • A Cardinal Number is a natural number used for counting (e.g. 1, 2, 3 ...).

  • An Ordinal Number is a natural number used for ordering (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ...).

  • A Whole Number is a number that is not a fractional number.

  • Positive Integers are the counting numbers or natural numbers (i.e. 1, 2, 3, ...).

  • Negative Integers are the whole numbers less than zero (i.e. -1, -2, -3, ...).

  • Non-negative Integers are the positive integers and zero (i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

  • Integers are the positive and negative whole numbers (i.e. ..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

  • Rational Numbers can be written as a ratio of one number to another.

  • Integers are rational numbers with a denominator of 1.

  • Fractions are rational numbers that are written with a numerator and a denominator.

  • Irrational Numbers cannot be written as a ratio (e.g. pi and the square root of 2).

  • Real Numbers include all the rational and irrational numbers and can be positive, negative or zero.

Return to Top





Which term would complete the definition?





Copyright (C) 2011 J. Banfill. All Rights Reserved.