1. The problem is to understand what an integer is. 2. An integer is a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero. 3. Integers do not include fractions or decimals. 4. Examples of integers are $-3$, $0$, $7$, and $42$. 5. Integers are used in many areas of math and everyday life to count, order, and measure. Final answer: An integer is any whole number without fractional or decimal parts, including negative numbers, zero, and positive numbers.