We classify cars by make and model, we classify sports team by division and conferences, we classify politics by parties; Is it possible for us to classify numbers as well? I'll let that one sink in for a moment (*begins to play Jeopardy music*) Yup! you guessed it! We definitely CAN classify numbers as well. But how do we classify them? I'm so glad you asked. We start with the numbers that we learned waaaaayy back in Kindergarten. We call those counting numbers or Natural Numbers. For example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. Then, we can add 0 to that group of counting numbers, which now makes the group Whole Numbers. Now, lets imagine a number line in our heads. Do they only move to the right? or can we move beyond 0 in a negative direction? If you said "Yes, we can move to the left beyond zero in a negative direction." I want you to put a gold star on your forehead because you are AWESOME! When we include those numbers that are negative into our classification of numbers, we are now talking about Integers. BUT, we aren't done yet, we've only discussed numbers that are whole. What about the decimals and the fractions? We can't forget about them! For example 15.85 isn't a whole number so it can't be categorized into any of the previous groups. Where can we put it? Theres a group called Rational Numbers that includes our decimals and fractions. Confused!? Brain fried!? Ok, students this is where you come in! Show your parents one of the many brain breaks that we do in class when we become a little overwhelmed with all this cool math! If you're still confused, below you will find a song/video that will explain number types in great detail; Also try the classifying rational numbers game too! HAPPY LEARNING!
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Mr. F7th Grade Math Teacher ArchivesCategories |