What system do whole numbers and their operations form?

Whole numbers, which include zero and all positive integers (1, 2, 3, etc.), form a specific system known as the decimal system. This system is based on the number ten and employs ten digits (0 through 9) to create all possible numbers. It encompasses operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which can all be performed using whole numbers.

The decimal system is the most commonly used numbering system in everyday life, especially in contexts such as finance, measurement, and counting. It is foundational in mathematics and serves as the basis for more complex numeral systems. Understanding that whole numbers belong to the decimal system helps learners recognize how basic arithmetic operates within the context of most calculations they encounter.