An integer is a whole number (no fractions or decimals!) that can be positive, negative, or zero.
Let's break that down a little more:
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Whole Number: Think of it like something you can count on your fingers. No pieces are missing.
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Positive: These are numbers bigger than zero, like 1, 2, 3, 100, or even 1000! They are on the right side of zero on a number line.
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Negative: These are numbers less than zero. They're like the opposite of positive numbers, such as -1, -2, -3, -100. They are on the left side of zero on a number line. Imagine owing someone money – you have a negative amount!
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Zero: Zero is a special integer. It's neither positive nor negative.
Here are some examples to help you understand:
- Integers: -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 100, -1000
- NOT Integers: 1.5 (has a decimal), 1/2 (has a fraction), 2.75 (has a decimal), -3.33 (has a decimal)
Think of a number line:
... -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 ...All the numbers marked on this number line are integers. There's no space for anything in-between.
So, an integer is a complete, whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero. It's that simple!
