The idea of digits may be explained to the child orally, as by this time he / she must
have acquired some basic knowledge regarding natural numbers and whole numbers.
Note : The system using the ten digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is called as the
decimal system or the denary system. The system of using only two digits
namely 0 and 1 is called as binary system. Also, the system of using 8 digits,
namely, 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 is called as octal system and the system of using 16
digits, namely, 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,F is called as hexadecimal system.
- Consecutive numbers
The word ‘consecutive’ literally means ‘following in unbroken sequence’. In a
sequence of numbers, consecutive number means the immediate next number.
A sequence of numbers or shapes may be given to the child and be asked to explore
the consecutive of a particular number.
For instance, if the child is familiar with the number concept, explain the idea orally
by giving suitable examples such as 7 and 8 are two consecutive natural numbers, 8
and 10 are two consecutive even numbers, 3 and 5 are two consecutive odd numbers,
11 and 13 are two consecutive prime numbers etc.,
- Face value
Face value denotes the actual value of a digit. The face value of a digit will always
be the same as the digit. In the number 789 the face value of the digit 7 is 7, the face
value of 8 is 8 and the face value of 9 is 9. Therefore face value of the digits in a
particular number is the actual value of the digits. However, depending upon the
place they occupy in the number, each digit has a distinct value.
- Place value
Place value of a digit is the value of the digit in relation to its occupied position
in a particular number. The place value of a digit changes according to its position in
the number. The place value increases in powers of 10, starting from units. The digits
in numbers from right to left have the place values of 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000 etc.
For example, the place value of each digit in 4321 is as follows:
