Numeracy, Maths and Statistics - Academic Skills Kit (2024)

Types of Numbers

Types of Numbers

Numbers can be classified into sets of numbers according to their properties. The table below lists the names, properties of and symbols used for the main number types.

Note: Many numbers are included in more than one set.

Name

Symbol

Properties

Set/Examples

Integers

$\mathbb{Z}$

All positive and negative whole numbers.

$\{...-1, -2 , 0, 1, 2, ...\}$

Natural

$\mathbb{N}$

Numbers used for counting (all positive integers).

$0, 1, 2, ...$

Real

$\mathbb{R}$

Includes all numbers on the number line.

$\frac{1}{5}, \sqrt{\frac{1}{5}}, 0, -2$

Rational

$\mathbb{Q}$

All real numbers which can be expressed as a fraction, $\frac{p}{q}$ where $p$ and $q$ are integers and $q \neq 0$. All integers are rational numbers as 1 is a non-zero integer.

$\frac{1}{5}, \frac{5}{1} (=5), \frac{2}{3}, \frac{3}{2}, \frac{0}{3} (=0)$

Irrational

$\mathbb{I}$

All real numbers which can't be expressed as a fraction whose numerator and denominator are integers (i.e. all real numbers which aren't rational).

$\pi, \sqrt{2}, \sqrt{3}$

Imaginary

NA

Numbers which are the product of a real number and the imaginary unit $i$ (where $i=\sqrt{-1}$).

$3i=\sqrt{-9}, -5i=-\sqrt{-25}, 3\sqrt{2}i=\sqrt{-18}$

Complex

$\mathbb{C}$

All numbers which can be expressed in the form $a+bi$ where $a$ and $b$ are real numbers and $i=\sqrt{-1}$. Each complex number is a combination of a real number ($a$) and an imaginary number ($bi$).

$1+2i, 1, i, -3i, 0, -5+i$.

External Resources

Numeracy, Maths and Statistics - Academic Skills Kit (2024)

FAQs

How to measure numeracy skills? ›

Numeracy tests are assessments that measure your ability to work with numbers, data, and graphs. They usually consist of multiple-choice questions that test your arithmetic, reasoning, and interpretation skills. Some tests may also include word problems, logic puzzles, or data sufficiency questions.

How to get better at numeracy? ›

How To Get Better at Math: 10 Effective Ways
  1. Approach Your Teacher for Help.
  2. Practice Makes Perfect.
  3. Focus on the Fundamentals.
  4. Don't Skip Your Homework.
  5. Restricting Distractions.
  6. Deconstruct Complex Problems into Smaller Ones.
  7. Make Notes and Go Over Them Regularly.
  8. Relate Real-life Situations to the Abstractions of Math.
Apr 1, 2024

What does having good numeracy skills look like? ›

Numeracy means understanding how maths is used in the real world and being able to apply it to make the best possible decisions. It's as much about thinking and reasoning as about 'doing sums'. It means being able to: Interpret data, charts and diagrams.

How do you demonstrate numeracy skills? ›

Numeracy skills involve understanding numbers, counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, adding and subtracting numbers, and so on.

How do I prepare for numeracy test? ›

Whether you're already a maths wizard or find numbers intimidating, these tips will help boost your confidence and your chances.
  1. Find out who your test provider will be. ...
  2. Read the questions carefully. ...
  3. Do a sense check. ...
  4. Manage your time. ...
  5. Take your own calculator. ...
  6. Practise, practise, practise.

What is numeracy scale? ›

The Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS) is a self-report measure of perceived ability to perform various mathematical tasks and preference for the use of numerical versus prose information. The 8-item scale contains no mathematics questions and has no correct or incorrect answers.

Why am I not good at math? ›

Here are two possible causes of dyscalculia: Genes and heredity: Dyscalculia tends to run in families. Research shows that genetics may also play a part in problems with math. Brain development: Brain imaging studies have shown some differences between people with and without dyscalculia.

How to be extremely good at math? ›

Be Math-Proficient!
  1. Break Down Complex Problems. ...
  2. Master The Basic Math Skills. ...
  3. Understand The Topic Before Moving On To Another. ...
  4. Know The Importance Of Number Sense. ...
  5. Have A Regular And Consistent Practice. ...
  6. Establish A Routine. ...
  7. Focus On Understanding New Concepts. ...
  8. Create A Practice Math Test.
Jun 14, 2023

Is numeracy a hard or soft skill? ›

Soft skills can be characterized as a combination of traits such as: personal habits, interpersonal skills, social graces, communication, language, leadership abilities, etc. that distinguish how you interact with other people. Whilst hard skills (such as numeracy, ability to work with words, etc.)

What is the difference between math and numeracy? ›

Mathematics refers to the domain of knowledge (or discipline), while numeracy refers to a person's ability to apply mathematical aspects and thinking in a range of contexts, including social and everyday life. Numeracy is not limited to applying number knowledge and skills.

What are the core skills of numeracy? ›

Core Skill: Numeracy

The skills needed for this involved interpreting, processing, and communicating, quantifiable and spatial information.

How can you improve your numeracy skills? ›

Use Play and Games as a Form of Learning

There are many games that incorporate math. Many board games include features that require counting, identifying shapes, and logic. Games like chess, dominos, and cards can also help improve numeracy skills. Puzzles are great for kids of all ages.

What is an example of a numeracy? ›

Numeracy is the ability to apply your knowledge of maths to real-world situations and problems. Numeracy also involves making sense of data. For example, being able to accurately interpret information that's presented in the form of: data.

What are examples of numeracy skills in an interview? ›

Employers often look for an ability to reason with numerical data such as being able to compile statistical data in various formats, and analyse, interpret and present the data in a clear way. Numerical skills increasingly involve using online tools and software effectively, such as using Excel.

What are the basic numeracy skills assessment? ›

Basic numeracy tests are used for assessing a person's arithmetic skills. Based on simple math, usually not exceeding middle school levels, these tests demonstrate how good you are at addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as at logical reasoning.

What are numeracy indicators? ›

The Numeracy Indicators identify the numeracy knowledge, understanding and skills students use to communicate mathematical language, and to recognise the interconnected nature of mathematical knowledge across learning areas and in a range of personal, social and work-related situations.

How would you assess your mathematical skills? ›

Six ways to use authentic assessment math in the classroom
  1. Performance assessment. ...
  2. Short investigations. ...
  3. Open-response questions. ...
  4. Portfolios. ...
  5. Self-assessment. ...
  6. Multiple-choice questions.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 5589

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.