Whole Number Definition: a plain-English explanation of what the term means, why it matters in math, and how it is used, followed by worked examples and practice questions so the definition turns into something you can apply.
A whole number is any of the counting numbers together with zero: 0, 1, 2, 3 and onward. Whole numbers have no negatives and no fractional part.
Math Dictionary / Whole Number
Whole Number
A whole number is 0 or a positive counting number.
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What it means
Whole numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. They do not include fractions, decimals, or negative numbers.
Also called: nonnegative integer
Examples
| 0 is a whole number |
| 12 is a whole number |
| -3 is not a whole number |
Common mistake
Whole numbers include 0, but they do not include negative numbers.
Try one
Question: Is 8.5 a whole number?
Show answer
No. 8.5 is a decimal, not a whole number.