Which statement best describes integers?

Which statement best describes integers?

• A. Only positive counting numbers
• B. Whole numbers and their negatives
• C. Rational numbers only
• D. Numbers that cannot be fractioned

Answer: (B)

The statement that describes integers best is that they include whole numbers and their negatives. Integers encompass all positive and negative whole numbers, as well as zero. This set can be expressed as {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. The inclusion of zero and negative numbers differentiates integers from just positive counting numbers. The first option describes only positive integers, which do not encompass the full definition of integers. The third option, which refers to rational numbers, is broader, as it includes fractions and decimals, whereas integers are strictly whole numbers. The fourth option mentions numbers that cannot be fractioned, which inaccurately implies that integers cannot be part of rational numbers or represented in fractional form, as integers indeed can be expressed as fractions (e.g., 2 can be represented as 2/1). Thus, the most accurate description of integers remains that they are whole numbers and their negatives.

The statement that describes integers best is that they include whole numbers and their negatives. Integers encompass all positive and negative whole numbers, as well as zero. This set can be expressed as {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. The inclusion of zero and negative numbers differentiates integers from just positive counting numbers.

The first option describes only positive integers, which do not encompass the full definition of integers. The third option, which refers to rational numbers, is broader, as it includes fractions and decimals, whereas integers are strictly whole numbers. The fourth option mentions numbers that cannot be fractioned, which inaccurately implies that integers cannot be part of rational numbers or represented in fractional form, as integers indeed can be expressed as fractions (e.g., 2 can be represented as 2/1). Thus, the most accurate description of integers remains that they are whole numbers and their negatives.