To determine the predecessor of "zero" in the set of whole numbers, let's first define what whole numbers are.
Whole numbers are the set of non-negative integers, which includes:
[tex]\[ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, \ldots \][/tex]
In this set:
- The number immediately following any whole number [tex]\( n \)[/tex] is [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex].
- The number immediately preceding any whole number [tex]\( n \)[/tex] is [tex]\( n - 1 \)[/tex].
Now, considering the set of whole numbers starts from 0 and continues as 1, 2, 3, and so on, there is evidently no whole number that comes before 0. This is because the whole number set does not include negative numbers.
Thus, the predecessor of "zero" in the set of whole numbers:
- Is not -1 (negative numbers are not part of whole numbers)
- Is not 2 (2 comes after 1, not before 0)
- Is not 1 (1 comes after 0, not before)
Therefore, based on this definition, there is no whole number that precedes zero.
Hence, the correct answer is:
D) Does not exist
