Whole numbers are the set of numbers that include zero and all the positive counting numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, ...). These numbers do not include fractions, decimals, or negative numbers.
What You Should Know
Whole numbers start at 0 and go up: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...
They do not include any decimals or fractions.
They are used when counting things that can't be split like people, pets, or cars.
Examples of Whole Numbers
7 is a whole number.
0 is a whole number.
21 is a whole number.
What Are NOT Whole Numbers?
3.5 is not a whole number (it has a decimal).
-1 is not a whole number (it is negative).
1/2 is not a whole number (it's a fraction).
Why Are Whole Numbers Important?
Whole numbers are used every day in life: when counting money, taking attendance, telling the time in hours, and more. Mastering whole numbers is the first step toward understanding all other types of numbers in math.