Difference between revisions of "User:Ccm/sandbox"
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There seems to be no definite answer to this seemingly simple question, as seen very obviously in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_number wikipedia page on Natural Numbers]. | There seems to be no definite answer to this seemingly simple question, as seen very obviously in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_number wikipedia page on Natural Numbers]. | ||
| + | ===Definitions=== | ||
| + | #Number | ||
| + | #Natural Number vs Whole Number | ||
| + | #Natural Numbers as defined by Peano | ||
| − | + | The definition of number seen in [http://www.britannica.com/search?query=number&ct=&searchSubmit.x=0&searchSubmit.y=0 Encyclopedia Britannica Online], completely ignores the Natural Numbers and discusses the Positive and Negative Integers, then jumps to the Real and Complex Numbers. | |
This defintion is a bit odd since it discusses positive and negative integers, but ignores 0. It also bypasses the Rational Numbers to discuss the Real Numbers and Complex Numbers. | This defintion is a bit odd since it discusses positive and negative integers, but ignores 0. It also bypasses the Rational Numbers to discuss the Real Numbers and Complex Numbers. | ||
| − | + | Often the Natural Numbers is said to begin at 1, and if 0 is included the set is then called the Whole Numbers. | |
| − | + | However in Logic and Computer Science the Natural Numbers are considered to begin a 0, the number that relates to an empty set. | |
[[Category:Tutorial pages]] | [[Category:Tutorial pages]] | ||
Revision as of 19:22, 29 May 2007
Is 0 a Natural Number?
There seems to be no definite answer to this seemingly simple question, as seen very obviously in the wikipedia page on Natural Numbers.
Definitions
- Number
- Natural Number vs Whole Number
- Natural Numbers as defined by Peano
The definition of number seen in Encyclopedia Britannica Online, completely ignores the Natural Numbers and discusses the Positive and Negative Integers, then jumps to the Real and Complex Numbers.
This defintion is a bit odd since it discusses positive and negative integers, but ignores 0. It also bypasses the Rational Numbers to discuss the Real Numbers and Complex Numbers.
Often the Natural Numbers is said to begin at 1, and if 0 is included the set is then called the Whole Numbers.
However in Logic and Computer Science the Natural Numbers are considered to begin a 0, the number that relates to an empty set.
