Types of Numbers

In this post, I will describe types of numbers we will be working with.  You may use this information to fill out your Frayer model graphic organizers. 

Natural Numbers

The counting numbers starting with 1.  These numbers are used to count physical objects. 

Whole Numbers

These numbers are counting numbers and zero.  Zero is an important concept because it allows you to completely reduce a quantity.  We also use zero to hold places, such as representing the number 10 as one ten and zero ones. 


0 and 1 are both very important numbers, due to some information we will learn about later.

Integers

The positive and negative counting numbers and zero.  The negative numbers allow you to represent missing quantities, or take large quantities away from small ones but still represent that some were there.


But what about numbers that represent partial objects?

Rational Numbers

This set includes ratios, fractions and decimals that end (this is called truncate).  This set allows for numbers to represent parts of objects. 

Real (Irrational) Numbers

This set includes decimals that don't form repeating patterns.  Square roots of numbers that are not even, and pi, e, and tau go here.  Pi, e, and tau are numbers that you will learn about in future math classes.


Source: http://jamesbrennan.org/algebra/numbers/real_number_system.htm