Integers, Decimals, and Fractions
Integers are whole numbers that are represented by tick marks on a number line. In between these marks, there are large spaces that are described as decimals and fractions. A fraction is a way to divide a section between integers into equally-spaced segments. A decimal representation divides the space between 0 and 1 into ten different segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is an integer?
A
An integer is any number, positive or negative, that does not have a fractional part. Examples of integers would be 5, 99, -4, 0, and 417.
Q
What is a decimal?
A
“A decimal number is any number that uses a decimal point to show the part of the number that is less than 1. For example, the numbers 9.2, 16.327, and 0.4 are all decimal numbers. Pi is also a decimal number: 3.1415”
Q
Is 0 an integer?
A
Yes, 0 is an integer. An integer is any number that does not have a fractional part.
Q
Are all integers rational numbers?
A
Yes, all integers are rational numbers. A rational number is simply a number that can be found by dividing two integers.
Q
Are decimals integers?
A
No, decimals are not integers. According to the definition of an integer, they are numbers that do not have fractional parts. Ex. 6.25 = 6 \(\frac{1}{4}\), which has a fractional part and is therefore not an integer
Q
Are whole numbers integers?
A
Yes, whole numbers are integers. A whole number is any number higher than zero that does not have a fractional component.
Q
Can integers be negative?
A
Yes, as long as there is no fractional component, integers can be negative.