Have you ever counted your toys or measured something in whole numbers? Those whole numbers are called integers! An integer is a number that can be positive, negative, or zero, but it doesn’t have any fractions or decimals.
Here’s how it works:
- Whole Numbers: Integers include all the whole numbers. These are numbers like 1, 2, 3, and so on. For example, if you have 3 apples, the number 3 is an integer.
- Negative Numbers: Integers also include negative numbers. These are numbers like -1, -2, -3, and so on. If you owe someone 2 dollars, you can think of it as -2 dollars.
- Zero: Zero is also an integer. It’s the number that represents having nothing at all. For example, if you have zero candies, you don’t have any candies.
- Number Line: You can see integers on a number line. On this line, positive numbers go to the right, negative numbers go to the left, and zero is in the middle.pythonCopy code
... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 ...
- No Fractions or Decimals: Integers are always whole numbers. This means they don’t include fractions like 1/2 or decimals like 3.14.
- Everyday Use: We use integers every day! When you count objects, measure distances, or keep score in a game, you’re using integers.
Understanding integers helps us do math more easily and accurately. They are the building blocks for many mathematical concepts and everyday activities.
What is an Integer?
Have you ever counted your toys or measured something in whole numbers? Those whole numbers are called integers! An integer is a number that can be positive, negative, or zero, but it doesn’t have any fractions or decimals.
Here’s how it works:
... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 ...Understanding integers helps us do math more easily and accurately. They are the building blocks for many mathematical concepts and everyday activities.