Identify the set described as natural numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, real numbers, or integers.

It is closed under addition and multiplication but not closed under subtraction or division.

irrational numbers

real numbers

rational numbers

natural numbers

1 answer

The set that is closed under addition and multiplication but not under subtraction or division is the natural numbers.

Here's why:

  • Natural numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) are closed under addition (e.g., 2 + 3 = 5) and multiplication (e.g., 2 × 3 = 6), but they are not closed under subtraction (e.g., 2 - 3 is not a natural number) or division (e.g., 2 ÷ 3 is not a natural number).

The other sets mentioned (integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers) do not meet this criterion.