The "whole number rule," in mathematics, refers to a basic principle that applies to whole numbers, which are positive integers (including zero). The rule states that the result of any operation involving two whole numbers will always be another whole number, provided that the operation is valid and does not involve division by zero.
This rule is rooted in the fact that whole numbers are closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication. When two whole numbers are added, subtracted, or multiplied together, the outcome will always be a whole number. For example, adding 2 and 3 results in 5, which is a whole number.
However, it is important to note that the whole number rule does not apply to division. Division of whole numbers may result in a fractional or decimal value. For instance, dividing 8 by 2 yields 4, which is a whole number, but dividing 7 by 2 results in 3.5, which is a decimal.
In summary, the whole number rule conveys that for any valid addition, subtraction, or multiplication operation involving two whole numbers, the outcome will always be another whole number. It highlights the inherent closure property possessed by whole numbers in these operations.
