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Assignment 2.01--Numbers and Estimates
Approximate completion time: 2 hours
Could you imagine one day without numbers? They seem to be everywhere. In this unit we will be studying numbers and how we use them. First, let's consider their importance and basic usage.
1. In one day's time, try to be mindful of every time you see, hear, or use a number. Then write down some reflections.
Be sure to include answers to these questions:
- How often were numbers used?
- For what kind of things were numbers used?
- Did the use of numbers make your day more or less enjoyable?
2. Write a brief (3-5 paragraphs) description of what life might be like without numbers. Be sure to discuss what your home would be like if they didn't use numbers when it was build.
Many people classify the use of numbers into these four categories: identifying, ordering, counting, and measuring.
Identifying
"Foul on player #44!" |
Counting
"There are 43 racers signed up." |
Ordering
"He came in 2nd place." |
Measuring
"I am 5 foot 8 inches tall."
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Here are some helpful definitions from Dictionary.com.
Identifying: "To establish the identity of. "In this sense, numbers are used to distinguish one item from another.
Counting: "To name or list (the units of a group or collection) one by one in order to determine a total; number."
Ordering: "A condition of logical or comprehensible arrangement among the separate elements of a group." In this sense, numbers are used to specify where something belongs in a group.
Measuring: "To find dimensions or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard." In this sense, numbers are used to describe the size, weight, and other magnitudes according to some unit (like feet or inches or pounds).
- To measure, you always must use units. "I am 34 _____________."
(If the blank isn't filled in with a unit, then the statement has no meaning.)
- To order, use always must give reference to the group. "I sit in the third ________________."
(If the blank isn't filled in with a position, then the statement has no meaning.)
- To count, you only tell how many there are. "There are 45 ____________."
(If the blank isn't filled in with a noun, then the statement is vague.)
- To identify, you simply reference the number like it's a name. "Here comes student #42805." "TK-421, why aren't you at your post?"
3. Practice using these four categories. For each of these pictures, make a statement that uses numbers in each of the different categories.
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Identify: |
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| Order: |
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| Count: |
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| Measure: |
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Identify: |
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| Order: |
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| Count: |
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| Measure: |
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Did you know that two of those types of uses for numbers cannot be estimates? They have to be exact! Can you guess which ones?
Really? Think about these questions to help understand:
Identify: Could you wear approximately #4 for your player number?
Order: Can you be approximately first in a race?
Count: Do you know need to know exactly how many people are at the concert?
Measure: Do you know exactly how tall you are?
4. Sometimes around your home, you might find some interesting things. Let's practice a bit of estimating on some of those.
For each of the images, make an estimate as indicated and explain your method.
Click on the image to enlarge. Estimate how many bees are in this swarm.
Click on the image to enlarge. Estimate how many ladybugs there are in the picture.
What if you had to move a house? Not move to a new house, but move the whole, entire building? Estimate how much your residence weighs.
5. In this unit we'll be looking at some specific kinds of number. Here's a peek into what we'll be studying.
Answer each of the following. Be sure to show a good explanation/defense for your work.
(Negative Numbers) What is the coldest temperature you can remember it has ever been at your house or somewhere you've been?
(BIG numbers) About how many M&M candies would it take to fill your entire house from floor to ceiling--every room, every floor?
(Estimating lengths) How far is it from your house to the nearest Fire Station?
(Angles) How steep is the roof over your head? That is, what is the angle of elevation on that roof?
(Roots) How far is it from home plate to 2nd base on a baseball field?
Bonus Stuff
- Did you know the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for zero also symbolizes the word "beauty"?
- We call some numbers by special names. There are odd numbers, even numbers, prime numbers, figurate numbers, binary numbers, Fibonacci Numbers, imaginary numbers, and tons more! (If you're interested, you can always use Google to search or check out fun places like this one.)
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2.01.YOURNAME.doc"
