Math Help - Integers

This section of Math  Help online discusses integers. An integer is also called a signed number or directed number.

Definition of integers

Integers are numbers that may be expressed as the sum or difference of two natural numbers. Integers are members of the set { ..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. Integers are usually denoted by:

What is a positive integer?

A positive integer is any whole, positive number such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.

What is a negative integer?

 A negative integer is any whole, negative number such as -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, etc.

Adding and Subtracting Integers

Integers can be added or subtracted. The resulting numbers of adding or subtracting integers are always integers. This is one of the key properties of integers.

More abstract property of integers

The integers are the closure of the natural numbers under subtraction, and are identified with the rational numbers with denominator 1.