Which set of numbers are considered integers?

The set of numbers considered integers includes counting numbers, their negatives (opposites), and zero. This means that integers encompass all whole numbers without fractions or decimal points. Counting numbers are the positive whole numbers starting from 1 (like 1, 2, 3, and so on). Their opposites are the negative counting numbers (-1, -2, -3, etc.), and adding zero to this group makes it complete.

Identifying integers in this way is crucial in mathematics because it lays the foundation for understanding properties of numbers used in various operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Other sets of numbers mentioned in the other choices do not cover all three components necessary to define integers: non-negative (counting numbers), negative (their opposites), and zero.