Understanding Different Types of Numbers

Numbers are the building blocks of mathematics! There are several types of numbers you'll encounter:

• Natural numbers: \(1, 2, 3, ...\)
• Whole numbers: \(0, 1, 2, 3, ...\)
• Integers: \(..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...\)
• Rational numbers: Numbers that can be expressed as fractions, like \(\frac{1}{2}\) or \(0.75\)
• Irrational numbers: Numbers that cannot be written as fractions, such as \(\pi\) or \(\sqrt{2}\)
• Real numbers: All the above, combined!

Operations with Numbers

The basic operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations let you combine and compare numbers in everyday life; for instance, budgeting your money or sharing snacks with friends.

Properties of Operations

• Commutative property: \(a + b = b + a\)
• Associative property: \((a + b) + c = a + (b + c)\)
• Distributive property: \(a(b + c) = ab + ac\)

Real-World Connections

Numbers and operations show up everywhere! From calculating your total bill at a restaurant to converting measurements in a recipe, these skills are essential.