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0 (called "zero" or "nil") means "nothing exists" so 0 cannot ever be a real number, no matter whether we are considering positive or negative numbers.

So the smallest whole number is 1, also known as "one" or "unity".

Because it is the "magnitude" or "size" of the number which is being asked about in this kind of question - and not its "polarity" or "sign" - the previous sentence remains true no matter whether we are considering positive or negative whole numbers.

Another opinion

The term 'whole number' does not have a consistent definition. Various authors use it in one of the following senses:

  • the non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...)
  • the positive integers (1, 2, 3, ...)
  • all integers (..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

Yet another opinion

Here are some relevant mathematical statements:

  • 1 (One) is the smallest number.
  • Any expression that computes to a value which is less than 1, no matter how small, is always just a label stating a mathematical expression such as 1/3, 0.3333(recurring), 1/1000, 0.001, 1/(zillions of zillions), etc. and that expression must, by definition, always relate back to the smallest whole number, which is 1.
  • The number 0 ("zero" or "nil") is always just a plain label, worth nothing because it has no magnitude, which was invented as a label specifically to be able to state: "There is no number having any value or magnitude present in this place."
  • Because zero is always worth nothing because it has no magnitude, it is always JUST a symbol, a plain label, etc., so it can be neither a "whole" number nor a "small" number nor the "smallest" number.

Those last four statements form a mathematical hypothesis - also known as a scientific theory or conjecture - about the smallest number that remains open to be disproved but so far has never been disproven.

Does anyone know anything more?

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Q: Are negative numbers and the number zero whole numbers?
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Related questions

What is a negative zero or a positive number called?

An integer. Integers are all of the whole numbers, all of the negative whole numbers, and zero.


Is a negative a whole numbers?

No. Whole numbers are counting numbers and zero.


Why isn't every integer a whole number?

Integers can be positive, zero or negative. Whole numbers can only be zero or positive. All negative integers are not whole numbers, though they are the additive inverse of a whole number.


What do you call whole numbers to the left of zero?

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How are natural an whole numbers different?

Negative integers are whole numbers but not natural numbers. Mathematicians are undecided about zero. It is a whole number: some believe zero is a natural number, others do not.


What are the whole numbers that are not counting numbers?

'0' is the only whole number that is not a counting number. Negative integers do not belong to whole numbers.


Positive and negative whole numbers and zero?

Positive and negative whole numbers and zero are integers. Zero is neither negative or positive.


What is the integers that are not whole number?

it is simple an integer includes negative numbers including zero{-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3}.but whole number has all non-negative numbers also including zero. {0,1,2,3}


What is the definition of number integers?

An integer is a whole number (not a fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero. A member of the set of positive whole numbers {1, 2, 3, . . . }, negative whole numbers {−1, −2, −3, . . . }, and zero {0}.


What is an integer that is natural rational and whole number?

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