Integer

An integer is a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero, without any fractional or decimal parts. Think of integers as the numbers used for counting (like 1, 2, 3), temperature levels below zero (−1, −2), or when measuring quantities that don't require fractions. They are fundamental in mathematics for representing complete units, balancing equations, and performing calculations where fractional parts aren't needed. Integers are part of a set called the "integer set," which includes zero, positive whole numbers, and negative whole numbers.