FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following describes whole numbers?

1. All real numbers

2. Non-negative numbers including zero

3. Any number greater than one

4. Integers that are only positive

The correct answer is: Non-negative numbers including zero

Whole numbers refer specifically to the set of non-negative integers, which includes zero and all the positive integers (1, 2, 3, etc.). This definition captures the essence of whole numbers as a distinct category that does not include fractions, decimals, or negative numbers. The inclusion of zero is a critical aspect because it differentiates whole numbers from other number types, such as positive integers, which only include numbers starting from one onwards. The clarification of whole numbers as non-negative numbers ensures that all possible values are accounted for within this category, providing a clear understanding of where whole numbers fit within the broader scope of number classifications. Thus, recognizing zero as a member of the whole number set is essential for accurately describing whole numbers in mathematical context.