FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

Which term describes positive counting numbers starting from one?

1. Irrational numbers

2. Whole numbers

3. Natural numbers

4. Integers

The correct answer is: Natural numbers

The correct term that describes positive counting numbers starting from one is "Natural numbers." Natural numbers are the set of positive integers that begin at one and continue indefinitely (1, 2, 3, 4, ...). They are used for counting and ordering. The term encompasses all positive whole numbers but does not include zero or any negative numbers. Whole numbers include all natural numbers along with zero, and integers encompass all whole numbers plus negative integers, while irrational numbers refer to numbers that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, such as the square root of 2 or pi. Thus, natural numbers specifically define the counting numbers from one onward, making them the correct choice in this instance.