nonegative

Nonegative is a term used in mathematics to describe numbers that are not negative. This includes zero and all positive numbers. In the context of number systems, a nonegative real number is any real number greater than or equal to zero. This concept is fundamental in various areas of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and number theory. For example, when discussing the domain of a function or the possible values of a variable, specifying that a quantity must be nonegative can significantly simplify analysis or ensure the validity of operations. The set of nonegative integers, for instance, is often denoted as {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. Similarly, nonegative rational numbers and nonegative irrational numbers also fall under this classification. The distinction between negative and nonegative is crucial for understanding inequalities and ordering numbers on the number line.