Which set of numbers includes whole numbers, their opposites, and zero?

The set of integers is defined to include all whole numbers along with their negative counterparts and zero. Specifically, this set comprises all positive whole numbers (1, 2, 3, ...), their negative counterparts (-1, -2, -3, ...), and zero (0).

Whole numbers include all non-negative integers starting from zero (0, 1, 2, 3, ...), but do not encompass negative numbers. Natural numbers also start from one (1, 2, 3, ...) and do not include zero or negative numbers. Rational numbers include fractions and decimals, which extend beyond the scope of whole numbers and integers.

Thus, the definition and characteristics of integers make them the correct choice, as they fully embrace whole numbers, their opposites, and zero, providing a complete set that fulfills this criterion.