Integers

Background

We've got Whole Numbers (numbers that start at 0 and go up by 1, so 0, 1, 2, 3,...) and we have Negative Numbers (numbers that are the same as Whole Numbers but go in the negative direction, so 0, -1, -2, -3,...).

Question

What is the set of numbers called that goes ..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2,...?

Answer

Integers

Analysis

The Integers is the set of all numbers that extend in both the positive and negative directions, starting from 0 and increase by 1 unit each. There are many ways to express it - one of which is in the question. Here's another:



When we refer to the Integers using symbology, we use the "doubled Z": 

And oftentimes, the set of Whole Numbers will be referred to as the "positive integers" and we can use this symbol to indicate it: 

Vocabulary used:

Whole Numbers - the set of numbers that start at 0 and increase by 1 (0, 1, 2, 3,...)

For more information check out these links (comment to add your favourite link):

Where might you have come from?

Fact-orials Index

Numbers:

• Whole Numbers
• Negative Numbers

Where might we go?

Numbers:

• Fractions and Decimals
• Rational Numbers
• Prime and Composite Numbers
• Variables 

Operations with different kinds of numbers:

• Addition, Subtraction, and Integers
• Multiplication, Division, and Integers
• Exponentials and Integers

Associated Operations:

• Absolute Value