Classification of Numbers

A mathematical object use for counting, measuring, and labeling is known as a number. They can be defined as strings of digits used to represent a quantity. The size of the quantity is indicated by the magnitude of the number. The first type of numbers that we got introduced to were natural numbers starting from 1, 2, 3, and so on. As research progressed further, numbers were further classified into whole numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, etc.

Number words are used to represent numbers in the form of a language. However, conventionally individual numbers are represented by symbols called numerals. It is not possible to memorize individual symbols for each number as the list extends up to infinity; hence, we most commonly use the Hindu – Arabic numeral system, which uses a combination of ten fundamental numeric symbols called digits to represent any numbers.

Types of Numbers

Natural Numbers

The most basic form of numbers that we learned as toddlers were natural numbers or counting numbers. These numbers start from 1 and go up to infinity, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 …. Natural numbers consist of positive integers. The symbol N is used to represent natural numbers.

Whole Numbers

The set of natural numbers, as well as zero, makes up whole numbers. They start from 0 and go up to infinity. 0, 1, 2, 3, …. are all whole numbers. The symbol W is used to represent whole numbers.

Integers

Whole numbers, along with the set of negative natural numbers, form integers. All numbers that lie between negative infinity to positive infinity comprise the set of integers. These numbers could be negative, zero, or positive; however, decimals and fractions are not included in this set. …. -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3,……. are examples of integers. In other words, we can say that all whole and natural numbers are integers but the converse does not hold true. The symbol Z is used to represent integers.

Fractions

These numbers represent a part of a whole. They can be written in the form of m/n, where n cannot be equal to 0. They can be further divided into proper fractions, improper fractions, etc.

Rational Numbers

Rational numbers are used to represent the ratio of two integers. If any number can be expressed in the form of p/q, it is called a rational number. p is the numerator can be any integer, q is the denominator which cannot be equal to 0. If q is 1, then the fraction is an integer. ⅖, 0.9, 30/100 are all rational numbers.

Irrational Numbers

Numbers that cannot be represented in the form of p/q are called irrational numbers. These numbers cannot be written as the ratio of two integers. 3, pi (3.14…), are examples of irrational numbers. In decimal form, the digits are non-terminating and non-repeating.

Real Numbers

The set of all rational and irrational numbers, including decimals, fall under real numbers. Alphabet “R” is used to show the set of real numbers.

Imaginary Numbers

Numbers that are not real numbers fall under the category of imaginary or complex numbers. For example,-3 is an irrational number.

Conclusion

Kids must understand the differentiation between the types of numbers. Children should join a reliable coaching class such as Cuemath to build a robust mathematical foundation. The certified math tutors use several resources to teach a lecture. Thus, kids have an enjoyable learning experience as they have a holistic educational environment.