Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊl nˈʌmbəz] (IPA) 
The term "whole numbers" refers to integers that are not fractions or decimals. The pronunciation of "whole" is /hoʊl/ with the long vowel sound /oʊ/ and the silent "e" at the end. The pronunciation of "numbers" is /ˈnʌm.bɚz/ with the stress on the first syllable and the schwa sound /ə/ in the second syllable. To spell the word correctly, remember to include the "e" at the end of "whole" and double the "m" in "numbers."
Whole numbers are a subset of the set of integers that includes only non-negative numbers, starting from zero and moving indefinitely towards the positive direction. They consist of the counting numbers (1, 2, 3, …) along with zero (0). Whole numbers are also known as non-negative integers.
Whole numbers are referred to as "whole" because they represent complete or undivided units. They are used to describe quantities that cannot be divided into fractions or decimals. Whole numbers form the basis for counting, as they are used to denote how many units or objects are present in a given set or group.
In addition to counting, whole numbers are used extensively in arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They provide a foundation for mathematical calculations and serve as a tool for solving problems across various disciplines.
Whole numbers possess certain properties, such as closure, commutativity, associativity, and distributivity, which allow for consistent and predictable mathematical operations. They are essential for understanding higher-level mathematical concepts and are fundamental to many branches of mathematics, including algebra, number theory, and calculus.
Overall, whole numbers represent positive quantities, including zero, and are a fundamental component of the number system, serving as a vital building block for mathematical computations and problem-solving in various fields.
The word "whole" derives from the Old English word "hāl", which means healthy, sound, or complete. In the context of numbers, "whole" refers to numbers that are complete or undivided. The term "whole numbers" is used to describe the set of numbers that includes all the positive integers (1, 2, 3, etc.) and zero (0), without any fractions, decimals, or negative values. Thus, the etymology of "whole numbers" can be traced back to the concept of completeness and soundness in Old English.
