Which list shows an accurate hierarchy of number sets within the real number system, from largest to smallest? (1 point)

• rational numbers, integers, whole numbers, natural numbers
• irrational numbers, square roots, endless decimals, pi
• natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers
• integers, rational numbers, natural numbers, whole numbers

1 answer

The correct hierarchy of number sets within the real number system, from largest to smallest, is:

rational numbers, integers, whole numbers, natural numbers

So the answer is:

  • rational numbers, integers, whole numbers, natural numbers

Rational numbers include all integers, whole numbers, and natural numbers. Integers include all whole numbers and their negative counterparts. Whole numbers include all natural numbers plus zero. Natural numbers are just the positive counting numbers (1, 2, 3, ...).