Question

The identity element for addition of whole numbers is

Answer 1

Hint: We are asked to find the identity element for addition of whole numbers. First, understand the properties of an identity element. Recall what whole numbers are and how it changes when an element is added to it. Use these facts to answer the given question.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us first know what an identity element is.
Identity element is an element or set of numbers such that when it is combined with a number, the number remains the same or it is not changed.
Here, the identity element for addition is asked so it must such that
 \[N + I = N\]
where \[I\] is the identity element and \[N\] is the number.
Now let us know what whole numbers are.
Whole numbers are also known as counting numbers with no fractional number or decimal part.
For example, \[0,1,2......\]
Now, the identity element such that on addition with a whole number gives back the whole number is,
 \[N + I = N \\
   \Rightarrow I = N - N = 0 \]
Therefore, the identity element for addition of whole numbers is zero.
So, the correct answer is “0”.

Note: There are five types of number system that you should always remember. These are natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers and real numbers.
Natural numbers are any positive integer which is greater than zero.
Whole numbers are counting numbers as we have discussed in our question.
Integers are numbers which can be positive or negative but it does not include any fractional or decimal part.
Rational numbers are numbers which can be expressed in terms of fraction.
Real numbers are numbers which include rational numbers and also irrational numbers.