Grade 6 ↓
Number System
A number system is a way of representing and working with numbers in mathematics. It enables us to write numbers, perform arithmetic operations, and understand the different types of numbers we encounter in everyday life. In this lesson, we will learn about the meaning of numbers in mathematics. You will explore the number system, including types of numbers, basic operations, properties, and more.
What is the number system?
The number system defines a set of values used to represent quantities. It uses symbols to represent numbers. Different cultures developed their own number systems, the most common being the decimal system, which is written in base 10. Also known as, which is the one we use most often.
Decimal number system
The decimal number system is the most commonly used number system. It has 10 symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. These symbols are called digits. Each symbol in a number represents a digit. Numerals have a place value, and it is based on powers of 10.
For example, the number 452
can be split as follows:
452 = (4 × 100) + (5 × 10) + (2 × 1)
Visualization of place values
In this example, 4 is in the hundreds place, 5 is in the tens place, and 2 is in the ones place, which helps us understand the value of each digit of the number.
Types of numbers
Natural numbers
These are the numbers commonly used for counting. They start at 1 and go on to infinity: 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on.
Whole numbers
Whole numbers include all natural numbers along with 0. So, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. are whole numbers.
Integers
Integers are all whole numbers, but they also include negative numbers. For example, ... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ... are integers.
Rational numbers
A rational number can be expressed as a fraction or ratio of two integers. For example, 1/2
, 2/3
and 4/1
are rational numbers.
Irrational numbers
These numbers cannot be expressed as simple fractions. Their decimal expansions are non-recursive and non-terminating. Examples include √2
, π
.
Operations in number system
Add
Addition is the process of finding the sum of two or more numbers or quantities. For example:
23 + 56 , 79
Subtraction
Subtraction is the process of finding the difference between numbers. For example:
78 - 23 , 55
Multiplication
Multiplication involves adding like groups together. Here's how you can multiply:
12 × 3 , 36
Division
Division means splitting into equal parts or groups. This is the result of "fair division". For example:
34 ÷ 2 = 17
Properties of numbers
Commutative property
This property states that the order does not matter for addition or multiplication.
a + b = b + a a × b = b × a
Associative property
The way the numbers are grouped has no effect on the sum or product.
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c) (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)
Distributive property
This property combines addition and multiplication.
a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c
Identity property
Adding 0 or multiplying by 1 leaves the number unchanged.
a + 0 = a a × 1 = a
Further elaboration with examples
Example: Understanding decimals
Decimals are fractions of base ten. For example, 0.75
is 75/100.
0.75 = 7/10 + 5/100
Examples: Fractions
Using fractions is a way to show division between numbers. For example:
3/4 means 3 parts out of a total of 4 equal parts.
Special types of numbers
Prime numbers
A prime number is a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. Example: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11.
Composite numbers
These are numbers that have more than two factors. For example, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are composite numbers.
Even and odd numbers
Even numbers are divisible by 2. Odd numbers are not. For example, 2, 4, 6 are even while 1, 3, 5 are odd.
This introduction to the number system will help you build a strong foundation for learning and exploring the world of numbers. With numbers, you can model real-world problems, perform calculations, and delve into deeper mathematical concepts can be done.