There exist several mathematical concepts and sources today that help us humans carry out various tasks smoothly. These terms and concepts have been coined by various intellects and mathematicians.
These mathematicians and intellects made sure that their knowledge of the subject reached various people.
Some people find mathematics and statistics complicated and insurmountable, but they don’t know that once a person understands a particular concept, mathematics can be very interesting and fun to study.
The basic concepts of mathematics and statistics involve a thorough understanding of different types of numbers. There are several types of numbers in mathematics. Two of these are 1. Natural numbers, and 2. Whole numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Natural numbers include all positive integers starting from 1, while whole numbers include all positive integers and zero.
- Both sets of numbers are infinite and fundamental in mathematics.
- Whole numbers are more versatile in calculations as they include zero, essential for various mathematical operations.
Natural vs Whole Numbers
Natural numbers are the set of positive integers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …). They are the numbers used to count objects or quantities and are sometimes called counting numbers. Whole numbers are the set of non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …). They include the natural numbers and also include the number 0.
The numbers that are used for counting and the numbers that are non-negative or positive are known as natural numbers. Natural numbers are used for counting.
A set of natural numbers is represented as “N.” It is an infinite set of numbers that start with the number “one.”
There are several properties and functions of natural numbers. Every natural number is followed by another natural number is one of the most commonly known properties.
The set of numbers that consists of the number “zero” is known as whole numbers. All whole numbers are considered real numbers, but on the other hand, not all real numbers are considered whole numbers.
They consist of positive numbers and integers, but they do not consist of fractions. A set of whole numbers is represented by “W.”
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Natural Numbers | Whole Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning/ Definition | The numbers that are used for counting and the numbers that are non-negative or positive are known as natural numbers. | The set of numbers that consists of the number “zero” is known as whole numbers. |
| Number “Zero” | Absent | Present |
| Set | An infinite set is represented by “N”. | An infinite set is represented by “W”. |
| Counting Number | The counting number starts from the number “one”. | The counting number starts from the number “zero. |
| Set Notation | {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,…….} | {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,……} |
What are Natural Numbers?
The numbers that are used for counting and the numbers that are non-negative or positive are known as natural numbers. Several properties are theorised regarding natural numbers.
The history of natural numbers dates back several years and is quite ancient. Various intellects have postulated several theories and properties regarding natural numbers.
Natural numbers are used for counting. A set of natural numbers is represented as “N.” It is an infinite set of numbers that start with the number “one”.
There are several properties and functions of natural numbers. Every natural number is followed by another natural number is one of the most commonly known properties.
Several discussions regarding the numerical system were held in Europe during the 19th century. Both mathematical and philosophical discussions were held.
Some intellects even postulated that natural numbers were the results of the human intellect. Self-theoretical meanings and definitions were initiated by Frege.
There are several properties and functions regarding natural numbers. The set of natural numbers is infinite, but it is known as countable infinity.
Counting and Ordering are two of the most significant generalizations of natural numbers. These numbers help many people with various tasks.
What are Whole Numbers?
The set of numbers that consists of the number “zero” is known as whole numbers. All whole numbers exist on a number line, and they all are real numbers.
Examples of whole numbers include 0, 44, 19, 13, 45, 67, 24, 5, etc. Whole numbers do not contain fractions and include the number “zero”.
All whole numbers are considered real numbers, but on the other hand, not all real numbers are considered whole numbers. They consist of positive numbers and integers, but they do not consist of fractions.
A set of whole numbers is represented by “W”. There are several facts and properties regarding whole numbers.
All the natural numbers, counting numbers, and positive integers are whole numbers, including the number “zero”. It is also said that all whole numbers are real numbers, but not all real numbers are whole numbers.
These facts and properties are postulated by several intellects and mathematicians over the course of time.
The various arithmetic operations are the base of the properties regarding the whole numbers. These operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Multiplication or addition of two whole numbers results in a whole number, unlike the subtraction of two whole numbers may or may not result in a whole number as sometimes the results are also in integers.
If two whole numbers are divided, they may result in a fraction.
Main Differences Between Natural and Whole Numbers
- The numbers that are used for counting and the numbers that are non-negative or positive are known as natural numbers. On the other hand, the set of numbers that consists of the number “zero” is known as whole numbers.
- The set of natural numbers does not consist of the number “zero”. On the other hand, the set of whole numbers does consist of the number “zero”.
- A set of natural numbers is represented by “N”. On the other hand, a set of whole numbers is represented by “W”.
- The counting number in natural numbers starts from the number “one”. On the other hand, the counting number in the whole numbers is the number “zero”.
- The set notation of natural numbers is {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9…….}, on the other hand, the set notation of whole numbers is {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9….}.
- All natural numbers are considered whole numbers, but not all whole numbers are considered natural numbers.
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Grzegorz-Bancerek/publication/243767436_Segments_of_Natural_Numbers_and_Finite_Sequences/links/5470776e0cf216f8cfa9f888/Segments-of-Natural-Numbers-and-Finite-Sequences.pdf
- https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/27709/1002297.pdf?sequence=1
Last Updated : 04 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Understanding the differences between natural and whole numbers is crucial. It helps to lay the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.
Agreed, it’s essential to understand the basic building blocks of mathematics before delving into more complex topics.
Absolutely, having a strong grasp of these fundamental concepts greatly aids in comprehending higher-level mathematics.
It’s interesting to note that whole numbers are more versatile in calculations due to the inclusion of zero.
Absolutely, zero plays a crucial role in many mathematical operations and should not be overlooked.
The significance of natural and whole numbers in mathematics cannot be overstated. They form the basis for so many mathematical concepts and operations.
Indeed, natural and whole numbers are foundational elements that underpin a wide range of mathematical principles.
The discussions on natural numbers having roots in human intellect are quite thought-provoking and add an extra layer of depth to their significance.
I find the philosophical implications of these discussions particularly intriguing, as it ties in with broader questions about human cognition.
The properties and functions of natural numbers are truly fascinating and have profound implications across various fields.
Completely agree, the universal nature of natural numbers makes them incredibly influential in diverse areas of study.
Absolutely, the applications of natural numbers extend far beyond just mathematical contexts.
The countable infinity property of natural numbers serves as an intriguing concept and has deep implications for theoretical mathematics.
The history and properties of natural numbers are fascinating, and it’s amazing to see discussions about it even during the 19th century.
I completely agree, the mathematical and philosophical discussions surrounding natural numbers are incredibly intriguing.
The historical context and development of natural numbers highlight the enduring nature of their significance in math and academia.
Indeed, understanding the historical evolution of these mathematical concepts provides valuable insights into their enduring importance.
Absolutely, it’s fascinating to trace the lineage of these foundational concepts and see their lasting impact on mathematical discourse.
The set notation comparison table provides a clear and concise summary of the differences between natural and whole numbers.
I agree, visual representations like this are extremely helpful in understanding mathematical concepts.
The distinction between whole numbers and real numbers is an important one, and understanding this differentiation is crucial in mathematical reasoning.
Completely agree, having a clear understanding of these distinctions prevents misconceptions in mathematical studies.
Absolutely, it’s essential to recognize the various subsets and classifications within the realm of numbers.