Number

A number refers to a word or symbol which represents a particular quantity. It is with the help of numbers only that multiple arithmetic operations are performed and we have been able to develop so much in the field of physics and mathematics. One cannot live their life without the usage of numbers, even for the most basic chores or tasks. Even the money exchanged for commodities is a certain value represented by numbers.

A bunch of numbers grouped together is used to assign a person as their contact number. such is the prominence of numerals in our lives. Hence, it is imperative to know more about the numbers and number systems, as has been discussed below.

Counting Numbers

Such a set of numbers as is used to count certain objects is called counting numbers. Such a set of numbers starts with 1(one) and goes on till infinity. One here represents a single object. For example, Mr. A had one pencil and one pen in his hand, or I ate one banana today. Adding up two counting numbers yields another counting number. These are used in real life for basic exchange, calculations, and operations.

The Number Zero 

Zero is denoted by 0. It is used to depict nothing. In other words, if something has no value at all, it is assigned the number zero as a quantity. The number zero comes before all the counting numbers, and forms the set of ‘whole numbers’.

The different types of numbers in mathematics,

• Natural Numbers A set of numbers as is used to count certain objects are called natural numbers. Such a set of numbers starts with 1(one) and goes on till infinity. It is to be noted that natural numbers include only positive integers.
• Whole Numbers A set of numbers that includes all the positive integers and zero.
• Integers An integer is defined as such a whole number that can assume either positive, negative or no value at all. 
• Real Numbers Such numbers which include both rational numbers and their irrational counterparts.
• Rational Numbers Such numbers can be expressed in the form of a fraction.
• Irrational Numbers Such numbers cannot be expressed as a fraction.

The following diagram depicts all kinds of numbers discussed so far,

Apart from the above-mentioned types, we have the following categories of numbers as well,

• Even Numbers Such numbers as can be divided by 2 are called even numbers. Example: 2, 4, 6, 8, …, 1024, etc.
• Odd Numbers Such numbers as are not divisible by 2 are called odd numbers. Example: 3, 5, 7, 10, …, 1345, etc.
• Prime Numbers Such a number that can be divided exactly by itself or 1. Example: 5, 7, 13, 23, etc.
• Composite Numbers Such numbers as having multiple factors other than 1 and the number itself. Example: 16, 20, 50, etc.

The Number System is a way of representing numbers on the number line with the help of a set of Symbols and rules. All the Mathematical concepts and formulas are based on Number system. We have curated the importance of number system in this article below.