English
Answer:

Half a cookie

Did you know?

Zero is the only integer that's neither positive nor negative!

What Are Real Numbers?

Real numbers are all the numbers you can find on a number line.

1

They include:

  • Integers like -3, 0, 5

  • Decimals like 1.4, 2.46, -10.8

  • Fractions like 1/2, 7/10, 5/6

  • Numbers that go on forever, such as:

    • Repeating decimals like 0.333333.... (also written as 0.3̅

      2
      )

    • Non-repeating decimals like √2 or π

A number line showing solid marks at integers and dots between them for decimals: -3⅓, -1.5, 1.5, and 2.75. Image created by the author via Canva

All these numbers belong to one big family called "real numbers".

Real numbers are everywhere — in your bank account, temperatures, recipes, distances, and many more. 📌

Quiz

Which of the following are real numbers? Select all that apply:

Answer:

-8 ,

1/2 teaspoon of sugar ,

0.7777777

Did you know?

π (Pi) is a real number and a famous mathematical constant. It represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s approximately 3.14159, but it goes on forever without repeating! That’s why we celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) every year — with circles, puzzles, and pie! 🥧

Real Numbers vs Integers

All integers are real numbers, but not all real numbers are integers.

Michael Scott from The Office saying, "What?"

Let's take another look at the number line:

A number line with solid marks at each integer from -4 to 4 The big solid marks (-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,...) are the integers, whereas real numbers include all the integers and everything in between.

For example, numbers like -2.5, 0.75, 1.33, and 3.14 are all real numbers — they have decimals or fractions that fit between the whole-number spots.

Quiz

Which of the following is a real number, but NOT an integer?

Answer:

0.75

Take Action

Flaticon Icon

Try these steps to explore the difference between real numbers and integers:

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Look at these numbers:

Various numbers shown: π, √2, 1.333..., 3, 5⁄7, –6.5 — representing different types of numbers. You might be wondering...are these even real??? 🤔

Seth Meyers in Late Night with Seth Meyers counting on fingers, looking confused.

They don’t all look the same.

Some feel “normal" — like 3.

Others look a bit strange — with decimals, fractions, or symbols like √.

Have you ever heard the terms real numbers and integers?

You might be surprised to learn how they're connected — and what sets them apart.

Let's explore how these groups of numbers compare.

What Are Integers?

Imagine you're climbing a staircase.

You can go up the steps (positive numbers) or down below the ground (negative numbers).

And there's one step at ground levelzero.

But notice — you can’t stand on half a step or 2.5 steps — that would be pretty awkward, right? 😀

A person climbing a staircase with steps labeled from –4 to 3, representing integers above and below ground level. Image created by the author via Canva

Integers include:

  • positive whole numbers like 1, 2, 3,...

  • negative whole numbers like -1, -2, -3,...

  • zero

Flaticon Icon Real-life examples of integers:

  • 4 coins in your wallet

  • 30 students in a class

  • 0 new messages

  • -2 floors below ground

These are integers because they are complete numbers with no decimals or fractions.

Flaticon Icon Real-life examples of non-integers:

  • 2.5 hours of screen time

  • 1/2 meters of rope

  • -30.33°C on a thermometer

  • 1.75 gallons of juice

These aren't integers because they're not whole quantities.So, what kind of numbers are they? Let's find out!

Quiz

Which of these CANNOT be an integer?

Did you know?

Zero is the only integer that's neither positive nor negative!

What Are Real Numbers?

Real numbers are all the numbers you can find on a number line.

They include:

  • Integers like -3, 0, 5

  • Decimals like 1.4, 2.46, -10.8

  • Fractions like 1/2, 7/10, 5/6

  • Numbers that go on forever, such as:

    • Repeating decimals like 0.333333.... (also written as 0.3̅

      )

    • Non-repeating decimals like √2 or π

A number line showing solid marks at integers and dots between them for decimals: -3⅓, -1.5, 1.5, and 2.75. Image created by the author via Canva

All these numbers belong to one big family called "real numbers".

Real numbers are everywhere — in your bank account, temperatures, recipes, distances, and many more. 📌

Quiz

Which of the following are real numbers? Select all that apply:

Did you know?

π (Pi) is a real number and a famous mathematical constant. It represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s approximately 3.14159, but it goes on forever without repeating! That’s why we celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) every year — with circles, puzzles, and pie! 🥧

Real Numbers vs Integers

All integers are real numbers, but not all real numbers are integers.

Michael Scott from The Office saying, "What?"

Let's take another look at the number line:

A number line with solid marks at each integer from -4 to 4 The big solid marks (-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,...) are the integers, whereas real numbers include all the integers and everything in between.

For example, numbers like -2.5, 0.75, 1.33, and 3.14 are all real numbers — they have decimals or fractions that fit between the whole-number spots.

Quiz

Which of the following is a real number, but NOT an integer?

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Take Action

Flaticon Icon

Try these steps to explore the difference between real numbers and integers:

License:

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Did you know?

Zero is the only integer that's neither positive nor negative!

What Are Real Numbers?

Real numbers are all the numbers you can find on a number line.

1

They include:

  • Integers like -3, 0, 5

  • Decimals like 1.4, 2.46, -10.8

  • Fractions like 1/2, 7/10, 5/6

  • Numbers that go on forever, such as:

    • Repeating decimals like 0.333333.... (also written as 0.3̅

      2
      )

    • Non-repeating decimals like √2 or π

A number line showing solid marks at integers and dots between them for decimals: -3⅓, -1.5, 1.5, and 2.75. Image created by the author via Canva

All these numbers belong to one big family called "real numbers".

Real numbers are everywhere — in your bank account, temperatures, recipes, distances, and many more. 📌

Quiz

Which of the following are real numbers? Select all that apply:

Answer:

-8 ,

0.7777777 ,

1/2 teaspoon of sugar

Did you know?

π (Pi) is a real number and a famous mathematical constant. It represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s approximately 3.14159, but it goes on forever without repeating! That’s why we celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) every year — with circles, puzzles, and pie! 🥧

Real Numbers vs Integers

All integers are real numbers, but not all real numbers are integers.

Michael Scott from The Office saying, "What?"

Let's take another look at the number line:

A number line with solid marks at each integer from -4 to 4 The big solid marks (-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,...) are the integers, whereas real numbers include all the integers and everything in between.

For example, numbers like -2.5, 0.75, 1.33, and 3.14 are all real numbers — they have decimals or fractions that fit between the whole-number spots.

Quiz

Which of the following is a real number, but NOT an integer?

Answer:

0.75

Take Action

Flaticon Icon

Try these steps to explore the difference between real numbers and integers:

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