Number sentence explained

In mathematics education, a number sentence is an equation or inequality expressed using numbers and mathematical symbols. The term is used in primary level mathematics teaching in the US,^[1] Canada, UK,^[2] Australia, New Zealand^[3] and South Africa.^[4]

Usage

The term is used as means of asking students to write down equations using simple mathematical symbols (numerals, the four main basic mathematical operators, equality symbol).^[5] Sometimes boxes or shapes are used to indicate unknown values. As such, number sentences are used to introduce students to notions of structure and elementary algebra prior to a more formal treatment of these concepts.

A number sentence without unknowns is equivalent to a logical proposition expressed using the notation of arithmetic.

Examples

• A valid number sentence that is true: 83 + 19 = 102.
• A valid number sentence that is false: 1 + 1 = 3.
• A valid number sentence using a 'less than' symbol: 3 + 6 < 10.
• A valid number sentence using a 'more than' symbol: 3 + 9 > 11.
• An example from a lesson plan:^[6]

Some students will use a direct computational approach. They will carry out the addition 26 + 39 = 65, put 65 = 26 +

\Box , and then find that \Box = 39.

See also

• Expression (mathematics)
• Equation
• Inequality (mathematics)
• Open sentence
• Sentence (mathematical logic)

Notes and References

1. http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/BuilderV03/LPTools/LPShared/lpdisplay.asp?LPID=14967 Show Me That Number Sentence
2. Web site: Archived copy . 2007-06-21 . 2007-09-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070928000047/http://www.qca.org.uk/downloads/3420_maths_glossary_ks1_4.pdf . dead .
3. Web site: Archived copy . 2007-06-21 . 2007-08-31 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070831212408/http://www.mceetya.edu.au/verve/_resources/SOL_Mathematics_2006.pdf . dead .
4. http://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/GET/doc/maths.pdf Mathematics Final
5. http://www.harcourtschool.com/glossary/math2/define/gr3/number_sentence3.html number sentence
6. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teachingresources/maths/mathscontinuum/structure/ST40004P.htm Mathematics Continuum - Structure - Equivalence - Learning and Teaching Resources - Prep to Year 10 - Student Learning - Department of Education and Early Childhood Development