What are integers?

Integers are numbers that do not have a fractional part; they include counting numbers, negative of counting numbers, and zero. A counting number, or a natural number, is a number that can be used to count. Examples of counting numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The act of counting refers to the act of determining the number of elements in a set of generic objects. Counting is usually performed using a set of predetermined distinct counters. In base 10 and using Hindu-Arabic numerals, these counters are commonly known as 1, 2, 3, 4 and so forth. The union of the set of these counters, the set of the negative of these counters and zero form the set of integers.