Math Is Fun Forum
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#1 2009-05-06 22:20:10
- 1a2b3c2212
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integers
is 0 an integer?
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#2 2009-05-06 22:25:45
- mathsyperson
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Re: integers
Yep!
An integer is any number which has nothing after the decimal point.
Negative numbers can be integers too.
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#3 2009-05-06 22:36:39
- 1a2b3c2212
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Re: integers
but then an integer has to be positive or negative right? but then zero is neither positive or negative..
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#4 2009-05-06 23:06:48
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
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Re: integers
Hi 1a2b3c2212;
Some people think that it isn't,(google 0 and integers). I think that it is. Congrats on becoming a member.
Last edited by bobbym (2009-05-06 23:13:39)
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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#5 2009-05-06 23:24:11
- 1a2b3c2212
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Re: integers
thanks. but in school, which statement do we follow, 0 integer or not?
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#6 2009-05-06 23:40:46
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
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Re: integers
I would go with yes. The integers are the set Z ...3,2,1, 0 , -1,-2,-3,...
Last edited by bobbym (2009-05-06 23:47:05)
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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#7 2009-05-06 23:43:09
- 1a2b3c2212
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Re: integers
ok. that's great.
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#8 2009-05-07 10:28:28
- Ricky
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Re: integers
Under standard definitions, zero is an integer. There can be no debate about this because it is, after all, a definition.
"In the real world, this would be a problem. But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist. So we'll go ahead and do that now..."
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#9 2009-05-07 11:22:37
- simron
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Re: integers
Unless we decided to define a mathematical system where 0 isn't an integer... but I don't see where that would lead us.
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#10 2009-05-08 19:42:07
- 1a2b3c2212
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Re: integers
hmm. ok. my purpose of my 1st post was to confirm my answer for this qn....(very simple one)
3≤ x≤ 7,-5≤ y≤ 2. x and y are integers.
a) Find the greatest possible value of x² -y²
b) Find the smallest possible value of xy
c) Find the smallest possible value of
part a is where i was stumped 
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#11 2009-05-08 21:12:13
- luca-deltodesco
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Re: integers
greatest possible value is going to be given for the largest x (largest meaning furthest from 0), and smallest y (smallest meaning closest to 0)
3 <= x <= 7, so x = 7 is largest x
-5 <= y <= 2, so y = 0 is the smallest y
greatest value of x^2 - y^2 is then 49
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