Large numbers in the media

Let’s think about the ways that you explore large numbers in the media. What are some instances and situations that you hear or read about large numbers? Think about news articles, advertisements, and viral videos.

Often, large numbers are used to describe long distances individuals have travelled: up mountains, across terrains or through deep waters. You might also use large numbers to describe world records:

• the number of hot dogs someone can eat in 5 minutes
• the largest pillow fight
• the tallest structures

Numbers can also be used to describe staggering data including:

• world statistics
• global events
• crises

There are many different ways to represent numbers. Each method tells us something different and allows us to understand or interpret information in different ways. Knowing how to represent large numbers effectively can help us communicate and connect with each other better. Can you think of different ways that you can represent large numbers in your life?

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Representing numbers

There are a lot of ways that we can interpret and represent large numbers. Consider the following representations and the way that they support your understanding of what the number means. When might you use one representation over another? What makes one representation more effective than another?

Standard notation

Standard notation uses numerals to represent a number. In this form, it is quickest to notice all the numbers. However, it may be challenging to understand the value of each number. It is therefore helpful to use tools such as a place value chart or number line to understand the scale.

For example: 5,463,124

Word form

Word form uses words to represent the number without using numerals. This is a great way to understand the value of each number. Sometimes when we explore large numbers, it is hard to understand what each numeral represents within the number.

For example: Five million four hundred sixty-three thousand one hundred twenty-four

Have you noticed numbers represented in their word form? How does this representation help you understand the number differently than the standard notation or expanded form?

Expanded form

Expanded form stretches out the number to show the value of each digit in an addition sentence. This helps us understand what the value of each number is.

For example: 5,000,000 + 400,000 + 60,000 + 3,000 + 100 + 20 + 4

When might it be beneficial for someone to use expanded form? What does this tell us about the number that makes it easier to understand?

Strategies and tools to represent numbers

Place value (hundreds, tens, ones) chart

A hundred, tens, ones chart is a great way to understand the value of each number. It clearly separates each group of hundreds, tens and ones so it is easier to read or say the number. Place value charts are also great when rounding numbers. For example, if you were asked to round 3,520,234 to the nearest ten thousand, you could write or say the number in the chart, identify the place value you are required to round to and adjust accordingly.

Number line

Number lines help when we are ordering numbers. It allows us to think about the range from other numbers, how far or close together they are, and which values are greater or less. Number lines also support our understanding of decimals and integers.

Base ten

Base ten creates a visual and helps us understand the magnitude of numbers with a place value chart. The number 1 in the thousands column may seem small, but when we understand its value in the thousands place, we notice that 1 thousand is a substantial amount!

Task 2

Place value is the value of each digit based on its position in the number. Consider the placement of each number. Think about the tools that you can use to support your understanding of numbers and the way that placement changes the value. What tools could you use to support your thinking and understanding of large numbers?

• Your article on species decline was so successful that a CEO of a company has decided to donate money to help endangered species. You have been asked to help them pick an amount. The conditions are that the number is less than 3 million, has an odd number in its ten thousands place, and uses even numbers in its hundred and hundred thousands place. Using the numbers 4, 5, 7, 6, 2, 3, 1, and 5, how many different combinations can you make?
• If possible, share your thinking with a peer. How did you choose to represent the numbers? Why did you make that decision? How did your choice of representation help audiences interpret and understand your information? Compare and discuss your findings. How did your understanding of representing numbers change when you considered the value of each numeral in your task? Do any of the representation tools make it easier for you to interpret and understand numbers?

Interpreting large numbers

Reflect on your learning by completing the following task in a method of your choice.

Task 1: Math journal

Today we learned about standard form, word form, expanded form and tools that support our understanding including place value, number lines, and base ten. Which of these forms is the easiest way for you to understand and interpret numbers? Explain your thinking in your notebook or journal.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

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