A "number" is a basic concept in mathematics that represents a quantity or position. It can be whole, like 1, 2, or 3, or it can be a fraction, like 1/2 or 3.14. Numbers help us count, measure, and compare things in our everyday lives, from how many apples we have to how far we need to travel. Numbers can also be used in various ways, such as in phone numbers for communication or zip codes for identifying locations. They are essential for understanding time, money, and even science, making them a fundamental part of our world.