1.1.1

Whole Numbers

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Whole Numbers

Algebra uses numbers and symbols to represent words and ideas. Let’s look at the numbers first.

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Counting numbers

  • The most basic numbers used in algebra are those we use to count objects: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, … and so on.
    • These are called the counting numbers.
  • The notation “…” is called an ellipsis, which is another way to show that the pattern continues endlessly.
  • Counting numbers are also called natural numbers.
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Whole numbers

  • The discovery of the number zero was a big step in the history of mathematics.
  • Including zero with the counting numbers gives a new set of numbers called the whole numbers.

Jump to other topics

1Proof

2Algebra & Functions

2.1Powers & Roots

2.2Quadratic Equations

2.3Inequalities

2.4Polynomials

2.5Graphs

2.6Functions

2.7Transformation of Graphs

2.8Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3Coordinate Geometry

4Sequences & Series

5Trigonometry

6Exponentials & Logarithms

7Differentiation

8Integration

9Numerical Methods

10Vectors

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