Integer

what is the origin of integers & wts is the use of integers in mathematics & other field?

Asked by
Last updated by anonymous
1 Answers
Log in to answer

Integer Numbers

Integers form the most basic number set. These are the counting numbers, 1, 2, 3, and so on. Initially only positive integers were considered. The inclusion of negative integers represents the first expansion of the number set. Surprisingly enough, while the concept of an empty, or null, set has been around for centuries, the use of a zero as a placeholder is a relatively recent invention, first introduced by the Arabs during the Middle Ages.

One important property of integer numbers is that every positive integer can be factored into a product of prime numbers, and there is only one way to do this factoring. This is known as the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. For example, the number 536 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 67. This is the only way of expressing 536 as a product of primes.

In general, an integer number is symbolized mathematically by the letter Z. If only the positive integers are being considered, the symbol N is often used.