Which term refers to the numbers used for counting objects?

Concept

Number sets are classified by defining properties and by the tasks for which they are introduced.

For elementary counting, identify the set whose sequence begins with the first count and continues by adding one.

Application

Counting one object, then two objects, then three objects produces the sequence 1, 2, 3, and so on. This sequence is called the natural numbers.

Contrast

• Rational numbers include every ratio p/q where p and q are integers and q is nonzero, so they are a much broader class.

• Whole numbers include 0 together with the positive counting sequence.

• Prime numbers are only those integers greater than 1 with exactly two positive factors.

Cross-check

A direct check of the first few counts gives 1, 2, 3, which matches the standard natural-number sequence.

Therefore, the term is natural numbers.