What are whole numbers?

Whole numbers are defined as the set of non-negative integers that begin from zero and include all the positive integers: 0, 1, 2, 3, and so forth. This definition aligns directly with the concept of counting numbers, which form the basis of numerical understanding in mathematics.

The term "counting numbers" typically refers to the set of positive integers starting from one, but whole numbers expand this set by including zero. This inclusion allows for the representation of concepts such as none or nothing, which is significant in both mathematical operations and real-life applications.

While other options refer to important number concepts, they do not accurately describe whole numbers. Numbers including negatives represent integers, while numbers that can be expressed as fractions pertain to rational numbers. Numbers that cannot be expressed as fractions fall under the category of irrational numbers. All these differing classifications highlight various aspects of numbers, yet they do not capture the essence of what whole numbers are.