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According to the book "An introduction to the analysis of algorithms (written by Michael Soltys)", the author says in chapter 1 as follows.

Let $\mathbb N = \{0, 1, 2,...\}$ be the set of natural numbers. Suppose that $S$ is a subset of $N $ with the following the two properties: first $0 \in S$, and second, whenever $n\in S$, then $n+1\in S$ as well. Then, invoking the Induction Principle(IP) we can conclude that $S=\mathbb N$.

I am wondering if it is fine to define the set of natural numbers like the author. Why the author put the number $0$ into the set of natural number $\mathbb N$?

MS.Kim
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    If you’re asking whether it’s correct to include $0\in\Bbb N$, the answer is yes. It’s also correct to omit it: there are two different conventions. Most of us with a set-theoretic background automatically include it. See this question for more information; I think that it answers your question, so I’m voting to close yours as a duplicate. – Brian M. Scott Sep 01 '13 at 06:31
  • " Regrettably, there seems to be no general agreement about whether to include 0 in the set of natural number":http://mathworld.wolfram.com/NaturalNumber.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_number#History_of_natural_numbers_and_the_status_of_zero – lab bhattacharjee Sep 01 '13 at 06:41

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Whether or not $0$ is considered a "natural" number is a matter of convention. I think including it is the better convention, since it is nice to have an additive identity even if inverses don't exist. To avoid any doubt, use the terms "non-negative" integer and "positive" integer.

Dan Brumleve
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