Numerals and number names

The idea

The symbols occurring in a written number system are called numerals.

Symbols and words

We can show the number five with a word, with pebbles, or with a written symbol: five, ● ● ● ● ●, 5.

Which of these is a written symbol for a number?

• five
• 5
• ● ● ● ● ●

Sort the chips

Tap a chip, then tap its box. A written symbol of a number system is a numeral.

Numerals are written symbols

The symbols occurring in a written number system are called numerals.

0, 1, 5, 36, 193 are some of the numerals of the Hindu number system.

A written number system always goes with a system of names: the name five and the numeral 5 stand for the same number.

Notes

The symbols occurring in a written number system are called numerals.

Check yourself

Which of these is a numeral?

36 and thirty-six. Which one is the numeral?

How many of these are numerals? 8, eight, 25, twenty-five, 193

Answer: 3

8, 25 and 193 are written symbols: 3 numerals. “eight” and “twenty-five” are number names.

Which pair stands for the same number, one a numeral and one a name?

• seven. “seven” is a number name, a word.
• 7 — correct. Yes! 7 is a written symbol of a number system.
• ● ● ● ● ● ● ●. Seven dots are objects. A numeral is a written symbol, such as 7.
• 36 is the numeral; thirty-six is the name — correct. Yes! 36 is the written symbol, and thirty-six is the name we say.
• Both are numerals. Only a written symbol is a numeral. “thirty-six” is a name made of words.
• thirty-six is the numeral; 36 is the name. It is the other way round: 36 is the numeral and thirty-six is the name.
• 12 and twelve — correct. Yes! 12 is the numeral and twelve is its name.
• 12 and 21. These are two numerals for two different numbers.
• twelve and twenty. These are two names, for two different numbers.