Natural Numbers

Natural numbers are the set of positive integers that are used for counting and ordering. They are represented by the symbol "N" and are commonly defined as the set of numbers {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...}.

Key characteristics of natural numbers:

1. Counting Numbers: Natural numbers are used for counting objects or items. For example, if you have 3 apples, you would represent the quantity using the natural number 3.
2. Positive Integers: Natural numbers are all positive integers, starting from 1 and continuing indefinitely.
3. Non-Negative: Natural numbers do not include zero. They only include positive whole numbers.

Natural numbers are essential in basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

It is important to note that different notations may include or exclude zero from the set of natural numbers. Some definitions consider the natural numbers to include zero (0, 1, 2, 3, ...) while others define them as strictly positive integers (1, 2, 3, ...).

Overall, natural numbers are fundamental in mathematics and are the building blocks for more advanced concepts such as whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers.