×

Symbol of Natural numbers

I have been commonly using $$\mathbb {N}$$ and $$\mathbb {Z}^{+}$$ to denote natural numbers. Recently I have come across on some questions the symbol $$\mathbb {I}$$. I have checked various websites and have not found anything to do with the I symbol. Is it a proper symbol? I will be glad to know. Probably, it is used elsewhere in the world and I am unaware.

Note by Joel Tan
2 years, 2 months ago

Sort by:

$$\mathbb{I}$$ is used in India along with $$mathbb{N}$$ and $$\mathbb{Z}^{+}$$ to represent Natural numbers .

But as far as official use is considered , $$mathbb{N}$$ would be my choice . · 2 years, 2 months ago

Isn't this the symbol for an ideal? click here · 2 years, 2 months ago

I've not see $$\mathbb{I}$$ for ideals. They are often just $$I$$ or $$J$$. Staff · 2 years, 2 months ago

Oh yeah, it does look different, I thought it was the normal capital I. · 2 years, 2 months ago

Nope, not as far as I know. I try to refrain from using $$\mathbb{N}$$ unless it looks super ugly otherwise, to avoid any confusion. I take $$\mathbb{N} = \mathbb{Z}^{+} \cup \lbrace 0 \rbrace$$ as per the Peano axioms. · 2 years, 2 months ago

The formal definition of natural numbers exclude 0. · 2 years, 2 months ago