Natural Numbers: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Natural Numbers are a part of the number system, including all the numbers starting from 1, 2, 3... to infinity. 

These numbers come naturally when we begin counting objects, which is why they are also called ‘Counting Numbers.’

All the Natural Numbers can be represented on a Number Line. On a Number Line, each number to the right side of a given number has a greater value than the number, and each number on the left side of a number has a smaller value than the number.

E.g. The Number Line from 4 to 8

        4 5 6 7 8

        5<6 because five is to the left of 6

        7>6 because seven is to the right of 6 

The Natural Number obtained by adding 1 to a number is known as its Successor.

E.g. The Successor of 7 is 8

        7+1=8

The Natural Number obtained by subtracting 1 from a number is known as its Predecessor.

E.g. The Predecessor of 7 is 6

      7-1=6

• Addition Property

The Sum of two Natural Numbers is always a Natural Number.

E.g. 12+17=29

• Multiplication Property

The product of two Natural Numbers is always a Natural Number.

E.g. 3 x 7=21

• Subtraction Property

The difference between two Natural Numbers is not always a Natural Number.

E.g. 22-22=0 

0 is not a Natural Number

• Division Property

Dividing two Natural Numbers will not always give a Natural Number.

Eg. 3/6 = 1/2

1/2 is not a Natural Number

The topic of Natural Numbers is introduced to students in the 1st and 2nd grade, and it is later explained in a separate chapter in the NCERT Mathematics Textbook for 6th-grade students. 

The core concept of Natural Numbers is repeatedly utilised in Algebra topics across all the classes. It is essential to have a firm grasp of the basics of the Number System.

• Write the next 3 Natural Numbers after 10999.

The next number in a Natural Number series is obtained by adding 1.

10999+1 = 11000

11000+1 = 11001

11001+1 = 11002

The three natural numbers after 10999 are 11000, 11001, and 11002.

• Write the predecessor of
• 94 
• 10000

The predecessor of a number is given by subtracting 1 from the number.

1.  94-1 = 93
2. 10000-1 = 9999
3. In each of the following number pairs, state which number is on the left of the other number on the number line and also write them with the appropriate sign (>, <) between them.

• 530, 503 
• 370, 307

1. 503 is to the left of 530 where 530 > 503
2. 307 is to the left of 370 where 370 > 307

Q: What is the smallest Natural Number?

Q: Is there a Natural Number that does not have a successor or a predecessor?

Q: When is the subtraction between two Natural Numbers, not a Natural Number?

Q: Are all Natural Numbers Whole Numbers?

Q: What kind of mathematical operations can you perform using a Number Line?

Q: How many Natural Numbers are present between 24 and 52?