Natural & Whole Numbers
SSC GD Exam - Quantitative Aptitude
1. What are Natural Numbers?
Natural Numbers are the basic counting numbers that we use in daily life to count objects. They start from 1 and go on infinitely — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, …
Simple Definition:
Natural Numbers are positive counting numbers starting from 1 and
continuing without end.
Symbol Representation
N = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, …}
Examples
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, …
2. What are Whole Numbers?
Whole Numbers are just like Natural Numbers but include 0. They start from 0 instead of 1.
Simple Definition:
Whole Numbers are all natural numbers along with zero (0).
Symbol Representation
W = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, …}
Examples
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, …
3. Key Points to Remember
Natural Numbers
- • Smallest Natural Number = 1
- • No largest natural number
- • All natural numbers are positive
- • Used for counting and ordering
Whole Numbers
- • Smallest Whole Number = 0
- • No largest whole number
- • Every natural number is a whole number
- • 0 is not a natural number
4. Difference Between Natural and Whole Numbers
| Basis | Natural Numbers | Whole Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | Start from 1 | Start from 0 |
| Set Representation | N = {1, 2, 3, 4, …} | W = {0, 1, 2, 3, …} |
| Includes Zero? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used For | Counting objects | Counting + representing 'nothing' |
| Example | 3, 4, 5, … | 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, … |
5. Real-Life Analogy
Think of Natural Numbers as people standing in line from 1 onwards, but Whole Numbers include the space (0) before the first person starts!
Natural Numbers
👤 👤 👤 👤
1, 2, 3, 4, …
Whole Numbers
🚫 👤 👤 👤 👤
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …
6. Common Exam Facts (Delhi Police / SSC)
The smallest Natural Number = 1
The smallest Whole Number = 0
Every Natural Number is a Whole Number
Every Whole Number is not a Natural Number
There is no largest Natural or Whole Number
7. Quick Recap
| Concept | Summary |
|---|---|
| Natural Numbers | Counting numbers starting from 1 |
| Whole Numbers | Natural numbers + Zero |
| Smallest Natural Number | 1 |
| Smallest Whole Number | 0 |
| Largest Number | None (infinite) |
8. Practice Questions
Test your knowledge with these practice questions. Click on "View Answer" to check your understanding.
Q1. The smallest natural number is –
View Answer
1
Q2. The smallest whole number is –
View Answer
0
Q3. Every natural number is a –
View Answer
Whole number
Q4. Every whole number is a –
View Answer
Not necessarily a natural number
Q5. Which of the following is not a natural number? (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2
View Answer
(a) 0
Q6. The set of whole numbers is –
View Answer
{0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …}
Q7. Natural numbers are used for –
View Answer
Counting objects
Q8. The difference between smallest whole and natural number =
View Answer
1 – 0 = 1
Q9. Which number is common to both sets W and N?
View Answer
1
Q10. There is no ____ whole number.
View Answer
Largest
✅ Exam Strategy Tip
🟢 Remember: Natural starts from 1, Whole starts from 0.
🟢 All natural numbers are whole numbers, but 0 is not a natural number.
🟢 Practice identifying numbers in different sets for quick recognition.
You've completed Natural & Whole Numbers Concepts!
Courage Tip: Understanding the fundamental difference between natural and whole numbers is crucial for building strong mathematical foundations. Remember that natural numbers are for counting objects, while whole numbers include the concept of 'nothing' represented by zero. Regular practice with number classification will help you quickly identify these sets in competitive exams.
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