Which of the following describes a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero?

Which of the following describes a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero?

• A. Floating-point
• B. Fractions
• C. Integers
• D. Doubles

Answer: (C)

The concept of whole numbers encompasses both positive and negative values, as well as zero. Integers specifically refer to this set of numbers, which can be expressed as {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. This definition includes all whole numbers without fractions or decimals. In contrast, floating-point and double types refer to numbers that can contain fractional parts and are not limited to whole numbers. They are used for representing real numbers, which can include decimals. Fractions are not whole numbers since they represent parts of a whole, typically expressed in the form of a numerator and denominator. Therefore, the option that accurately captures the definition of whole numbers, both positive and negative, including zero, is integers.

The concept of whole numbers encompasses both positive and negative values, as well as zero. Integers specifically refer to this set of numbers, which can be expressed as {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. This definition includes all whole numbers without fractions or decimals.

In contrast, floating-point and double types refer to numbers that can contain fractional parts and are not limited to whole numbers. They are used for representing real numbers, which can include decimals. Fractions are not whole numbers since they represent parts of a whole, typically expressed in the form of a numerator and denominator. Therefore, the option that accurately captures the definition of whole numbers, both positive and negative, including zero, is integers.