FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Ensure Exam Success!

The defining characteristic of integers is that they include negative numbers, zero, and positive numbers. This means that the set of integers comprises all whole numbers without any fractional or decimal components, extending infinitely in both the positive and negative directions, including zero as a key element.

Integers, therefore, can be represented as {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. This characteristic is essential in distinguishing integers from other sets of numbers such as natural numbers, which only include positive whole numbers (one option). Unlike fractions, which can represent parts of whole numbers, integers do not incorporate such divisions (another option). Lastly, the characteristic of being non-negative whole numbers only excludes negative numbers and zero, which are vital parts of the integer set.

Thus, the inclusion of negative numbers, zero, and positive numbers accurately captures the essence of what integers are.