Numeracy, Maths and Statistics - Academic Skills Kit (2024)

Types of Numbers

Types of Numbers

Numbers can be classified into sets of numbers according to their properties. The table below lists the names, properties of and symbols used for the main number types.

Note: Many numbers are included in more than one set.

Name

Symbol

Properties

Set/Examples

Integers

$\mathbb{Z}$

All positive and negative whole numbers.

$\{...-1, -2 , 0, 1, 2, ...\}$

Natural

$\mathbb{N}$

Numbers used for counting (all positive integers).

$0, 1, 2, ...$

Real

$\mathbb{R}$

Includes all numbers on the number line.

$\frac{1}{5}, \sqrt{\frac{1}{5}}, 0, -2$

Rational

$\mathbb{Q}$

All real numbers which can be expressed as a fraction, $\frac{p}{q}$ where $p$ and $q$ are integers and $q \neq 0$. All integers are rational numbers as 1 is a non-zero integer.

$\frac{1}{5}, \frac{5}{1} (=5), \frac{2}{3}, \frac{3}{2}, \frac{0}{3} (=0)$

Irrational

$\mathbb{I}$

All real numbers which can't be expressed as a fraction whose numerator and denominator are integers (i.e. all real numbers which aren't rational).

$\pi, \sqrt{2}, \sqrt{3}$

Imaginary

NA

Numbers which are the product of a real number and the imaginary unit $i$ (where $i=\sqrt{-1}$).

$3i=\sqrt{-9}, -5i=-\sqrt{-25}, 3\sqrt{2}i=\sqrt{-18}$

Complex

$\mathbb{C}$

All numbers which can be expressed in the form $a+bi$ where $a$ and $b$ are real numbers and $i=\sqrt{-1}$. Each complex number is a combination of a real number ($a$) and an imaginary number ($bi$).

$1+2i, 1, i, -3i, 0, -5+i$.

External Resources

Numeracy, Maths and Statistics - Academic Skills Kit (2024)

FAQs

What are the math numeracy skills? ›

Numeracy skills involve understanding numbers, counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, adding and subtracting numbers, and so on.

How are mathematics and numeracy different? ›

Numeracy refers to the everyday uses of mathematics, and includes the ability to reason and to apply simple numerical concepts, such as addition and subtraction.

Is maths numeracy important? ›

Understanding and using mathematical concepts, and being numerate, helps children know and describe the world around them and make meaning of these encounters. It is, therefore, an essential skill for successful daily life.

What are the 5 stages of learning numeracy? ›

  • Emergent Stage. The journey of learning numeracy begins with the emergent stage. ...
  • Perceptual Stage. In the perceptual stage, children start to perceive numbers and their relationships. ...
  • Figurative Stage. The figurative stage is where children start to understand numbers in a more abstract way. ...
  • Counting On Stage. ...
  • Facile Stage.
Mar 11, 2024

How do you practice numeracy skills? ›

Activities where you could develop numeracy skills
  1. Use Graduates First to try numeracy tests, get results and see where you went wrong. ...
  2. Practice numerical reasoning tests online.
  3. Try the Numeracy Refresher Online guide.
  4. BBC Skillswise website Revisit numeracy basics and calculations.

Is algebra a math or numeracy? ›

Algebra uses letters and symbols in the place of numbers and can be used to simplify expressions. Algebra is a part of maths that uses letters and symbols in the place of numbers.

Is statistics and mathematics the same thing? ›

In Mathematics, space, measures, and structures in their rudimentary form are considered, while in Statistics raw data is collected, sorted, interpreted, and represented. Mathematics is a vast field of study which includes all quantitative disciplines significantly.

What are numerical skills with an example? ›

Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental arithmetical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, if one can understand simple mathematical equations such as 2 + 2 = 4, then one would be considered to possess at least basic numeric knowledge.

What are examples of numeracy in everyday life? ›

Some examples of the ways we use maths every day include:
  • Working out how many minutes until our train.
  • Increasing a recipe to serve extra guests.
  • Checking we've received the right change.
  • Working out how much to tip in a restaurant.
  • Setting and keeping to a budget.
  • Helping children with homework.

What is an example of a numeracy? ›

Numeracy is necessary for everyday living. From daily activities like telling the time, cooking and setting the table to more difficult tasks such as understanding mobile phone plans, planning a trip, reading a map and understanding timetables.

What are examples of numeracy strategies? ›

Here are strategies to improve numeracy skills:

Be visual and use images or shapes to reflect the meaning of the numbers. Be aware of how you present or describe a risk. Check-in early and often. Relate words and numbers to provide a complete understanding.

What is basic mathematics numeracy? ›

Basic numeracy skills are the ability to understand and use fundamental mathematical skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

What are examples of numeracy? ›

Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental arithmetical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, if one can understand simple mathematical equations such as 2 + 2 = 4, then one would be considered to possess at least basic numeric knowledge.

What are the 10 skills of math? ›

The skills include:
  • Critical thinking.
  • Problem-solving.
  • Analytical thinking.
  • Quantitative reasoning.
  • Time management.
  • Constructing Logical Arguments.
  • Abstract Thinking.
  • Data Analysis.
May 17, 2022

What are numerical skills for numeracy skills? ›

Numeracy skills
  • Order of operations. ...
  • Multiplication. ...
  • Division. ...
  • Negative numbers. ...
  • Distance, speed and time. ...
  • Rounding. ...
  • Rounding and estimating. ...
  • Fractions.

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