The correct hierarchy of number sets within the real number system, from largest to smallest, is:
Rational numbers, integers, whole numbers, natural numbers
This is because:
- Rational numbers include all integers, whole numbers, and fractions (like 1/2).
- Integers include all whole numbers and their negatives (e.g., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2).
- Whole numbers include all non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...).
- Natural numbers include all positive integers (1, 2, 3, ...).
Therefore, the first option is the accurate hierarchy.