- Finite / Infinite
Finite denotes any object or thing which is limited in size or extent. Infinite denotes
any object or thing which is limitless in space or size. In Set language, finite denotes
a set which has countable number of elements and infinite denotes a set which has
uncountable number of elements.
Provide the child, first with a handful of beads and ask him to count. Then, provide the
child with a handful of sand grains and ask him / her to count the grains. It is evident
that the beads can be counted, while the sand grains cannot be counted, thus enabling
the child to understand the concept finite and infinite.
- Predecessor
The word “predecessor” literally means a thing that has been followed by another. In
number system, the number which occurs immediately before another is said to be the
predecessor to the number considered. While teaching the concept of numbers, the
concepts of predecessor and successor may also be taught.
To enable the child to understand the concept, ask the students to form a single file
one behind the other, and after the explanation of the concept orally, each child may
be asked to name his/her predecessor. As all the students in the file are derived from
a known group, the child with visual impairment is also familiar with the remaining
members of the group and the child will be able to identify his/her predecessor. The
concept of successor can also be taught simultaneously.
5 6 7 8 9
In this group of numbers, 5 is said to be the predecessor of 6.
Once the child is clear with the meaning of the term predecessor the idea may be
related to number theory.
- Successor
Successor denotes the next immediate number. For instance, in natural numbers the
successor of 5 is 6 and the successor of 105 is 106. As the idea of predecessor is
already taught, the child may easily understand the idea of successor.
