Special Types of Numbers

Vocabulary

square number

triangular number

integer,

natural number

cardinal number

ordinal number

mixed number

prime number

negative number

rational numbers

Squared, cubed, triangular

Hints and Tips

While the definitions of all of these words can be found in the glossary, (follow links above) we have gathered them together in two posters. 

These numbers are introduced throughout the primary years.

Essential Prior Knowledge

to know that numbers have different functions

Activity

As your child becomes familiar with different kinds of numbers, it is important to keep practising their use.

This needn’t be done in separate activities, just included as part of whatever activity seems appropriate, making sure your child is aware of the vocabulary associated with each type of number.

Types of Number 1,   Types of Numbers 2

You could look at the glossary definitions or the posters with your child and he/she could make a poster or table with the name and definition and try to find examples of each type of number.

As you work on further maths topics, you could ask your child to recall types of numbers and look for and record any further examples.

This will keep the number types current.

Here is a link to a great game that involves some of these special numbers: Number Puzzle Game