The correct statement is:
B. the whole numbers are a subset of the integers.
Here's a brief explanation of each choice:
A. The rational numbers are not a subset of the irrational numbers; rather, they are disjoint sets (rational numbers can be expressed as fractions, while irrational numbers cannot).
B. Whole numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...) are indeed a subset of the integers (..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...).
C. The integers are not a subset of the irrational numbers; integers are rational numbers.
D. Whole numbers are not a subset of the natural numbers. Whole numbers include 0 and natural numbers generally start from 1 (1, 2, 3, ...).
Thus, the only true statement is B.