Number sentence
In mathematics education, a number sentence is an equation or inequality expressed using numbers and mathematical symbols. The term is used in primary level mathematics teaching in the US,[1] Canada, UK,[2] Australia, New Zealand[3] and South Africa.[4]
Usage
[edit | edit source]The term is used as means of asking students to write down equations using simple mathematical symbols (numerals, the four main basic mathematical operators, equality symbol).[5] Sometimes boxes or shapes are used to indicate unknown values. As such, number sentences are used to introduce students to notions of structure and elementary algebra prior to a more formal treatment of these concepts.
A number sentence without unknowns is equivalent to a logical proposition expressed using the notation of arithmetic.
Examples
[edit | edit source]- A valid number sentence that is true: 83 + 19 = 102.
- A valid number sentence that is false: 1 + 1 = 3.
- A valid number sentence using a 'less than' symbol: 3 + 6 < 10.
- A valid number sentence using a 'more than' symbol: 3 + 9 > 11.
- An example from a lesson plan:[6]
Some students will use a direct computational approach. They will carry out the addition 26 + 39 = 65, put 65 = 26 + , and then find that = 39.
See also
[edit | edit source]- Expression (mathematics)
- Equation
- Inequality (mathematics)
- Open sentence
- Sentence (mathematical logic)
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Show Me That Number Sentence
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Mathematics Final
- ^ number sentence
- ^ Mathematics Continuum - Structure - Equivalence - Learning and Teaching Resources - Prep to Year 10 - Student Learning - Department of Education and Early Childhood Development