In our number systems lecture we were exploring patterns, sequences and similarities. In particular, we were asked to consider why we have numbers? Of course there were multiple answers to this:

• money ~ pocket money, buying products, banking figures
• counting ~ shopping, people, stairs
• weight ~ baking/cooking, scales
• time ~ bed time/bath time, appointments
• shape ~ tiling cans, pictures
• angles ~ stairs, picture frames

We don’t always think about numbers but realistically they are all around us. We need to have an understanding of numbers for the majority of our day-to-day activities. Without this understanding our mathematical thinking would be non-existent.

Numerals

Next we were asked to consider different types of numerals. Numerals are defined to be symbols used to represent a number.

As we know, there isn’t just one numerical system present. There are many different systems throughout the world. Here are a few examples:

After exploring some of the other numerical systems in the world we were asked to create our own, new, numerical system. Here is what I came up with:

Within my numerical system I began with straight forward lines then advanced onto shapes. I’m not entirely sure how this process would work after 20 but it looks understandable up until now!