Number Types

Understanding of number is one aspect of mathematics that we expect children to develop in schools (Bobis, 1996, p.17).  Bobis (1996) states that number sense refers to “a well organised conceptual network of number information that enables a person to understand numbers and number relationships and to solve mathematical problems in ways that are not bound by traditional algorithms” (p.18). According to Berk (2009), number sense is also a skill that needs to be developed from a young age so that the children will develop their mental reasoning and cognitively flexibility earlier. In short, number sense is the ability to understand and use numbers and operations flexibly to solve mathematical problems. 

The four different types of numbers that must be recognised and developed through the early years are:

• cardinal numbers
• ordinal numbers
• whole numbers 
• integers 

Cardinal numbers are primarily used to count the number of objects in a set.  Cardinal numbers tell "how many" and are also known as "counting numbers," because they show quantity (http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0875618.html).  For example, 6 dogs and 5 pies.

      

Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of an object in a numerical sequence.  Ordinal numbers tell the order of things in a set—first, second, third, etc. Ordinal numbers do not show quantity. They only show rank or position (http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0875618.html). For example, first and third.

Whole numbers are zero and all counting numbers that don't include fractions or decimals.  Integers are the whole unit distance between numbers on a number line.  Teachers could demonstrate this by using whole number lines.