Final Cover - For Printing

NUMBERS

1. Natural numbers
   The numbers 1, 2, 3,... are called as natural numbers. Natural numbers start with
   1 and are increased by 1 to get the next consecutive natural number. The set of
   natural numbers is denoted by the letter N. 1 is the smallest natural number and there
   is no largest natural number.

Therefore, N = {1, 2, 3,...}

The child may be given some beads, say around 20, and he/she may be asked to count

them one by one. This activity can be carried out if the child has already been

exposed to the basic number system. If the child is to be taught afresh then the idea

could be taught stating clearly the basic ideas of the number system before hand.

2. Whole numbers
   If the number 0 is included to the set of natural numbers N, then the new set
   formed is called as the set of whole numbers denoted as W. Note that 0 is the
   smallest whole number and there is no largest whole number.

Therefore, W = {0, 1, 2, 3,...}

As the child is familiar with the concept of natural numbers already, the idea of whole

numbers may be explained with ease.

Module 52 : Numbers