Is 7 an irrational number in the set of integers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of the number 7 within various mathematical sets, specifically whether it is a natural number, an integer, a rational number, or an irrational number. Participants explore definitions and examples related to these classifications.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that 7 is a natural number, an integer, and a rational number because it can be expressed as 7/1.
  • Another participant agrees with this classification but questions whether this applies to all integers, introducing the example of -1, which is an integer but not a natural number.
  • There is a discussion about the inclusion of 0 as a whole number, with some participants indicating that opinions vary on this point.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need to address whether 7 is an irrational number and suggests that the discussion hinges on understanding definitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that 7 is a natural number, an integer, and a rational number. However, there is disagreement regarding the classification of integers, particularly concerning the status of negative integers and the inclusion of 0 as a whole number.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in definitions, particularly around the terms "natural number" and "whole number," and does not resolve whether 7 can be classified as an irrational number.

nycfunction
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Determine if the number 7 is a natural number, an integer, a rational or irrational number.

I know that integers include positive and negative numbers and 0.

Let Z = the set of integers

Z = {. . . -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, . . .}

I also know that any integer Z can be written as Z/1 = Z.

I will conclude by saying the following:

7 = 7/1

So, 7 is a natural number, an integer and a rational number (because it can be written as a fraction over 1).

Does this apply to all integers, Z?
 
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Hi nycfunction.

nycfunction said:
So, 7 is a natural number, an integer and a rational number (because it can be written as a fraction over 1).
That’s correct.

nycfunction said:
Does this apply to all integers, Z?
Let’s take an example, $-1$. It is an integer, but is it a natural number?
 
Olinguito said:
Hi nycfunction.

That’s correct.

Let’s take an example, $-1$. It is an integer, but is it a natural number?


The integer -1 is not a natural number aka whole number. This means not all integers Z are natural or whole numbers. Negative numbers are excluded.
 
You make your post unnecessarily confusing by using "Z" for the set of all integers and to mean an individual integer.
 
nycfunction said:
The integer -1 is not a natural number aka whole number. This means not all integers Z are natural or whole numbers. Negative numbers are excluded.
Many would agree but there is confusion about whether we should count 0 as a whole number. Some say yes, some say no. You can definitely say that all positive integers are whole numbers.

-Dan
 
Also, you do not address the last part of the problem. Is "7" an irrational number? What is the definition of "irrational number"? In fact, all of these are just a question of whether you know the definitions.
 

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