In math, the terms successor and predecessor refer to the numbers directly after or directly before a given number, respectively. To find the successor of a given whole number, add one to the given number. To find the predecessor of a given whole number, subtract one from the given number.
Examples
Suppose that the given number is 18. Its successor is 19, and its predecessor is 17. If the given number were 226, it would have a successor of 227 and a predecessor of 225. Additionally, if x is the successor of y, then y is the predecessor of x. For instance, 80 is the successor of 79, so therefore 79 is the predecessor of 80.
Whole Numbers
The terms successor and predecessor apply only to whole numbers—that is, zero, one, two, three and so on; they do not apply to fractions, decimals or negative numbers. Every whole number has a successor. With the exception of zero, every whole number also has a predecessor.
References
About the Author
Based in western New York, Amy Harris began writing for Demand Media and Great Lakes Brewing News in 2010. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Penn State University; she taught high school math for several years and has also worked in the field of instructional design.