The smallest natural number is zero.
Step 1: Write the list of natural numbers as used in this book.
(;1,;2,;3,;4,;dots)
Step 2: The smallest number means the first number in this list.
(;1)
Step 3: Compare with the statement “The smallest natural number is zero”.
(;0 otin {1,2,3,dots})
Conclusion: The smallest natural number is (;1), not (;0). So the statement is false.
Note: Some books use (mathbb{N}={0,1,2,dots}). In this chapter, natural numbers start from (;1).