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Writer's picturePerry Clemons

Learning Math Concepts is like Movement

Updated: Jul 20, 2023

Digit, Number, Place Value, and Operations are four foundational math concepts in building number sense. It is so important to teach and reinforce these concepts as they are built upon with every new unit.



Four Math Concepts: Digit, Number, Place Value, Operations

In math, there are four important ideas that help us understand numbers better: digits, numbers, place value, and operations. These concepts are like the building blocks of math, and they all work together to help us solve problems and make sense of numbers. Each idea builds upon the one before it, making our math skills stronger as we learn more. In this essay, we will explore these foundational math concepts and also see how they are similar to some aspects of language. Let's discover the fascinating connections between math and language and how they both play a significant role in our daily lives.


Digits are Like Letters: Digits are like the letters of math, playing a crucial role in forming all numbers, just as the 26 letters of the English alphabet create all the words we use. Each digit has its own fascinating history, much like letters in language. Interestingly, different languages use various number systems, and the ones we use in English, known as Arabic numbers, originated from the Arabic language. Understanding the connection between digits and letters helps us appreciate how both math and language use fundamental symbols to convey meaning and solve problems.

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Digits are Like Music Notes: For all the music lovers and aspiring musicians out there, digits are comparable to the 12 musical notes in music. Just as these 12 notes give rise to an endless array of songs across genres, instruments, and centuries, the 10 digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) form an infinite variety of numbers. Surprisingly, just as most songs don't require every musical note, many numbers don't use all the digits. It might seem like a limited set, but the combinations of digits, musical notes, and letters hold boundless possibilities, allowing us to create unique melodies, numbers, and words that shape the beauty of both math and music.





Numbers are Like Words: Numbers are like words in math. Just as words are made by putting letters together, numbers are made by using digits. We have 10 numbers that are also digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and this can sometimes confuse us when we deal with larger numbers. It's like when we wonder if "I" is a letter or a word, but it can actually be both. The value of a number depends on where its digits are placed, and that's why we call it "place value." Understanding these similarities between numbers and words helps us better understand math and language.


Place Value is Like Syntax: Syntax is like the order of words in a sentence, ensuring clear and meaningful communication. The arrangement of words affects the meaning, as seen in how "I want to eat" makes sense, while "eat to I want" does not.


Place value, on the other hand, is about the value of a digit based on its position in a number. Understanding place value involves connecting digits and numbers. Many students struggle with place value when learning about numbers, so continuous practice is crucial to avoid common errors in different math topics.



Similarly, PEMDAS is like syntax for math, providing a set of rules to follow the correct order of operations. PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). It guides us in solving math expressions step by step to arrive at the correct answers.


Just as syntax ensures clarity in language, PEMDAS prevents confusion and ensures accuracy in math. Following the proper order of operations is essential to make sense of math expressions and build a strong foundation for more advanced math concepts.





Operations are Like Punctuation: Punctuation is like a helpful tool in written text that uses spacing, special signs, and typographical devices to make reading easier and more understandable, whether we read silently or aloud. In math, operations are similar to punctuation because they connect numbers together. Without operations, it would be challenging to know where one number begins and another ends. These operations are important symbols that show the relationship between numbers and are a crucial part of math. As students progress in school, the operations they use change. In Elementary school, they learn to use "x" for multiplication. In middle school, the "x" changes to an "*" to make space for variables represented by letters. And in high school, the multiplication sign is no longer needed, and we assume multiplication when numbers and variables are close together without any space.





Conclusion: Understanding the foundational math concepts of digits, numbers, place value, and operations is like unlocking the secrets of a magical world of numbers. These concepts work together, just like building blocks, to help us solve problems and make sense of the mathematical universe. As we explore these concepts, we find fascinating connections between math and language. Digits are like the letters of math, forming the basis of all numbers and creating endless possibilities, just like music notes do in creating beautiful melodies. Numbers, like words, are formed by combining digits, and their value depends on where each digit is placed. Similarly, just as syntax helps us read and understand sentences, Place Value helps us understand numbers while PEMDAS guides us through the correct order of operations in math, both preventing confusion and ensuring accurate results. And just like punctuation aids our reading, operations connect numbers together, making math expressions meaningful and clear. By grasping these essential math ideas, we can appreciate the power of numbers and their influence in our everyday lives.


Written by: Perry Clemons

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