Maths Dictionary

Natural Number

Mathematical Definition

In mathematics, natural numbers are the set of numbers we use for counting and ordering. They start from 1, 2, 3, 4, … and continue without end. Some definitions also include 0 as a natural number, depending on the context.

Natural numbers are important because they are the foundation of arithmetic and number theory. They allow us to count objects, order things in a sequence, and build more complex types of numbers, like integers, fractions, and decimals.

• Symbol: The set of natural numbers is usually written as ℕ.
• Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 …
• Key feature: They are whole, positive numbers (and sometimes include zero).

Natural numbers are the first numbers people learn when starting mathematics, making them one of the most fundamental concepts in the subject.