Integers
(KS2, Year 4)
An integer is a whole number. An integer may be positive, negative, or zero:list_of_integersMathematicians use the symbol integer symbol to represent the set of integers.

Dictionary Definition

The Oxford English Dictionary defines an integer as "a whole number or undivided quantity. Opposed to fraction."

Examples of Integers

An integer is a whole number. Some examples of integers are given below:integers_examplesAn integer does not contain a fractional part. They cannot be fractions or decimals. Some examples of numbers that are not integers are shown below: not_integers_examples

Integers on a Number Line

The image below shows the integers on the number line.integers_on_number_line
  • The integers on the number line go on forever to the left and right.
  • Integers do not exist in between the whole numbers labelled.
  • The number line shows the ordering of the integers. The further right on the number line an integer is, the greater it is. Any integer is greater than an integer to its left. Any integer is less than any integer to its right. This means that 3 is greater than 2, but −3 is less than −2.

Interactive Game on Integers

Here is an interactive game to help you learn about integers.
  • You are the fish.
  • Pop the bubbles with integers to collect red hearts. You need five to win.
  • If a bubble with an integer reaches the top, you will lose a red heart.
  • Avoid the bubbles with non-integers. If you pop one, you will lose one of your three lives.
  • Good luck!
  • The fish moves towards your clicks. (Hint: The farther the distance, the faster it moves.)
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Lesson Slides

The slider below shows some of the properties of integers.

What's in a Name?

The word integer comes from the Latin word "integer", meaning "whole". The Latin word "integer" itself is derived from the Latin 'in' ('not') + 'tangere' ('to touch'). If a number was untouched; it was unbroken, whole and entire. This should be contrasted with the Latin root for fraction, 'fractus' meaning 'broken'.

What Does the Symbol for Integers Mean?

Mathematicians use the symbol integer symbol to represent the set of integers. This symbol is a Z, from the German word "Zahlen", meaning 'numbers'.
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This page was written by Stephen Clarke.