Classification of whole numbers – UGC NET Question

This option is correct because the set {0, 1, 2, 3, ...} includes zero and all positive integers. This collection is commonly called the set of whole numbers. It extends the natural numbers by adding zero. Therefore, the notation given describes the whole numbers.

Option A:
Whole numbers consist of zero and all positive counting numbers. The set in the question starts at 0 and continues with 1, 2, 3 and so on, which matches this definition. Hence, whole numbers is the correct term.

Option B:
Integers include negative numbers as well as zero and positive numbers. The set given in the question does not include any negative integers. Thus, the term integers is too broad and does not precisely describe the set.

Option C:
Natural numbers usually refer to positive counting numbers starting from 1, and sometimes definitions vary on including 0. Since the set explicitly lists 0, calling it only natural numbers can be ambiguous. Therefore, this option is not the best fit.

Option D:
Rational numbers include all numbers that can be written as a fraction of integers, including many non-integer values. The set listed contains only special integer values and is much more restricted. Hence, rational numbers is not the correct classification.