An integer (pronounced IN-tuh-jer) is a whole number (not a fractional number) that

can be positive, negative, or zero.

Examples of integers are: -5, 1, 5, 8, 97, and 3,043.
Examples of numbers that are not integers are: -1.43, 1 3/4, 3.14, .09, and 5,643.1.
The set of integers, denoted Z, is formally defined as follows:
Z = {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}

There are a lot of different types of numbers in the world. Each number is different than another, yet

they may share some common characteristics. To help themselves keep track of and understand the

similarities and differences between numbers, mathematicians have developed a grouping system

that categorizes and describes numbers based on their characteristics.

Some of the most common groups in the system are:

• Natural numbers

• Whole numbers

• Integers

• Rationals

• Real numbers

The grouping system is very similar to the concept of grouping in geography in which things are

categorized using characteristics that get more and more specific (country, state, county, city,

street. . .)

Integers are a special group or category of numbers that:

• Consist of the set of numbers: {. . .-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. . .}

• Are all positive and negative whole numbers that do not include any fractional or decimal
parts

A few things to note here:

1. There are no fractions or decimals in any part of the numbers.

2. Negative numbers often represent the idea of being below a standard value.

3. Zero is an integer.