What is an Integer?

An integer is a type of number that you use every day without even realizing it! Think of numbers like 1, 2, 3, and so on—these are all integers. But guess what? Negative numbers like -1, -2, and -3 are also integers. Even the number 0 is an integer! So, in simple words, integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or even zero.

Integers are super useful in math because they help us count things, measure distances, and even do complex calculations. For example, if you’re keeping score in a game, you might use integers to track how many points each player has. If someone loses points, the score might go into the negatives, like -5, which is still an integer!

One cool thing about integers is that they don’t have fractions or decimals. This makes them easy to work with when you’re doing basic math, like addition or subtraction. So next time you’re counting, remember—you’re using integers!