Final answer:
A whole number is a non-negative integer without any fractional part, while a decimal number has a decimal point and may or may not have a fractional part. Whole numbers do not have fractional parts, while decimal numbers can represent fractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A whole number is a number without any fractional part or decimal point. It is a non-negative integer, meaning it can be zero or any positive number without a decimal or fractional component. Examples of whole numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on.
A decimal number, on the other hand, is a number that has a decimal point and may or may not have a fractional part. It can represent both positive and negative numbers. Examples of decimal numbers are 3.14, -2.75, and 0.5.
The main difference between a whole number and a decimal number is that whole numbers do not have fractional parts, while decimal numbers can represent fractions. For example, the decimal number 0.5 represents the fraction 1/2.