Mathematics Class 5 - Numerals Notes

Numerals

Welcome to the chapter on Numerals for Class 5 Mathematics. In this chapter, you will learn what numerals are, the different types of numerals, how to write and read them, and their importance in mathematics and daily life. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify, write, and use numerals confidently in various situations.

Introduction

Numerals are symbols or groups of symbols used to represent numbers. They are the language of mathematics and are used everywhere—from counting objects to measuring distances, telling time, and handling money. Understanding numerals is the first step in mastering mathematics.

Key Concepts

• Definition of Numerals: Symbols that represent numbers.
• Types of Numerals: Hindu-Arabic, Roman, and others.
• Writing and Reading Numerals: How to write numbers in numerals and words.
• Comparing Numerals: Understanding which numeral is greater or smaller.
• Importance of Numerals: Their use in daily life and mathematics.

1. What are Numerals?

A numeral is a symbol or group of symbols that represents a number. For example, 5, 23, 789, and 1,234 are all numerals. The word "number" refers to the idea or concept, while "numeral" is the way we write it.

• Number: The idea of "five".
• Numeral: The symbol "5" that represents the number five.

2. Types of Numerals

There are different systems of numerals used around the world. The most common are:

• Hindu-Arabic Numerals: The numerals we use every day (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). This system is used worldwide.
• Roman Numerals: An ancient system using letters (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) to represent numbers.

Hindu-Arabic Numerals

This is the most widely used numeral system. It uses ten digits (0-9) to form all numbers. For example, the number 2,345 is written using these digits.

Roman Numerals

Roman numerals use combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. Here are some examples:

• I = 1
• V = 5
• X = 10
• L = 50
• C = 100
• D = 500
• M = 1000

For example, VII = 7, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900.

3. Writing and Reading Numerals

Writing numerals means using the correct symbols to represent numbers. Reading numerals means saying the number in words.

• Numeral: 1,234 — Number name: One thousand two hundred thirty-four
• Numeral: 56 — Number name: Fifty-six
• Numeral: 789 — Number name: Seven hundred eighty-nine

Practice:

• Write the numeral for "Four hundred twenty-one".
• Write the number name for 3,205.
• Write the Roman numeral for 14.

4. Comparing Numerals

To compare numerals, look at the digits from left to right. The numeral with the greater digit in the highest place is larger.

• Compare 456 and 654. 654 is greater than 456.
• Compare 2,345 and 2,354. 2,354 is greater than 2,345.

Practice:

• Which is greater: 789 or 987?
• Arrange in ascending order: 321, 123, 231.

5. Importance of Numerals in Daily Life

Numerals are used everywhere in our daily lives. Here are some examples:

• Telling time (e.g., 7:30 AM)
• Reading dates (e.g., 21/05/2025)
• Counting money (e.g., ₹500, ₹20)
• Measuring distances (e.g., 5 km, 100 m)
• Reading scores in sports (e.g., 250 runs, 3 goals)

Summary

Numerals are the symbols we use to write numbers. The Hindu-Arabic system is the most common, but Roman numerals are also important. We use numerals every day in many ways, and understanding them is essential for mathematics and daily life.

Practice Questions

Try these questions to test your understanding of numerals.

1. Write the numeral for "Six hundred seventy-eight".
2. Write the number name for 4,321.
3. Write the Roman numeral for 29.
4. Which is greater: 2,345 or 2,435?
5. Arrange in descending order: 543, 345, 435.

Challenge Yourself

Try these activities to apply your knowledge:

• Find five Roman numerals used in clocks or books around you.
• Write the numerals for the ages of your family members.
• Write the number names for the numbers on your house or street.

Did You Know?

The Hindu-Arabic numeral system was developed in India and later spread to the rest of the world. Roman numerals are still used today on clocks, in book chapters, and for special events like the Olympic Games.

Glossary

• Numeral: A symbol or group of symbols representing a number.
• Roman Numerals: A system of numerals using letters from the Latin alphabet.
• Hindu-Arabic Numerals: The common numerals 0-9 used worldwide.
• Ascending Order: Arranging numbers from smallest to largest.
• Descending Order: Arranging numbers from largest to smallest.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. 678
2. Four thousand three hundred twenty-one
3. XXIX
4. 2,435 is greater than 2,345
5. 543, 435, 345

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Keep practicing and observing numerals around you. The more you use them, the more confident you will become!