terviknumbrid

Terviknumbrid, often translated as "integer numbers" or simply "integers" in English, is a mathematical concept referring to the set of whole numbers and their negative counterparts. This set includes zero, all positive whole numbers (1, 2, 3, ...), and all negative whole numbers (-1, -2, -3, ...). The collection of all terviknumbrid is typically denoted by the symbol Z, derived from the German word "Zahlen," meaning numbers.

Terviknumbrid form a fundamental building block in arithmetic and algebra. They are closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication, meaning that performing these operations on any two terviknumbrid will always result in another terviknumber. For example, 5 + (-3) = 2, and -4 * 7 = -28. However, they are not closed under division; dividing one terviknumber by another may result in a fraction or decimal, which is not an integer.

The concept of terviknumbrid allows for the representation of quantities that can be negative, such as debt, temperature below freezing, or a change in position in a certain direction. They are essential for solving algebraic equations and understanding more complex mathematical structures like rings and fields. The ordering of terviknumbrid is also crucial, with each number having a unique position on the number line.