Notation of Numbers – Primary 5 Mathematics First Term Lesson Note
This Primary 5 Mathematics First Term lesson note on Notation of Numbers helps pupils read, write and represent numbers correctly in figures and words. The lesson uses familiar Nigerian examples such as market prices, school fees and transport fares so pupils can connect place value and number notation with everyday life.
Lesson Information
| Subject | Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Class | Primary 5 (Basic 5) |
| Term | First Term |
| Week | 2 |
| Topic | Notation of Numbers |
| Sub-topic | Writing Numbers in Figures and Words |
| Duration | 40 minutes |
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain what notation of numbers means.
- Write numbers correctly in figures and in words.
- Read large numbers using place-value groups.
- Use commas correctly when writing large numbers.
- Apply number notation to everyday situations such as prices, fares and population figures.
Key Vocabulary
Notation, digit, figure, number, place value, ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, millions.
Instructional Materials
- Whiteboard or chalkboard and marker/chalk
- Place-value chart
- Number flashcards
- Sample price tags or pictures of goods
- Examples of Nigerian currency amounts
Previous Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to count and identify the place value of digits in numbers up to thousands.
Set Induction
Display price tags such as ₦2,350, ₦45,000 and ₦1,000,000. Ask pupils to read each amount aloud. Then ask: “How would you write these numbers in words so that another person can understand them?”
Use their responses to introduce the topic: Notation of Numbers.
Lesson Development
Step 1: Meaning of Notation of Numbers
Explain that notation of numbers is the way numbers are represented using figures (digits) or written in words.
For example:
- 375 — Three hundred and seventy-five
- 2,500 — Two thousand five hundred
- 45,603 — Forty-five thousand six hundred and three
Remind pupils that the position of a digit determines its value. Use a place-value chart showing ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten-thousands, hundred-thousands and millions.
Step 2: Writing Numbers in Figures
Read each number in words and guide pupils to write it in figures:
- Three hundred and seventy-five → 375
- Two thousand and eighteen → 2,018
- One million, four hundred and fifty thousand → 1,450,000
Explain that commas separate groups of three digits and make large numbers easier to read.
Step 3: Writing Numbers in Words
Write the figures on the board and let pupils convert them to words:
- 246 → Two hundred and forty-six
- 5,020 → Five thousand and twenty
- 89,305 → Eighty-nine thousand three hundred and five
Pay attention to correct spelling and the use of “and” when reading numbers, following the convention used in the lesson.
Step 4: Nigerian Real-life Application
Ask pupils where they see large numbers outside the classroom. Guide them to identify examples such as:
- Prices in shops and markets
- School fees and other payments
- Transport fares
- Examination scores
- Population figures
For example, if a school fee is ₦45,000, pupils should be able to read and write the amount in words. Emphasise that writing numbers accurately is important when dealing with money and official records.
Teacher’s and Pupils’ Activities
| Teacher | Pupils |
|---|---|
| Displays numbers and explains place value. | Observe, identify digits and read the numbers aloud. |
| Writes numbers in words and asks pupils to convert them to figures. | Write the figures in their exercise books. |
| Writes figures and asks pupils to express them in words. | Write and read the number names aloud. |
| Uses familiar Nigerian examples. | Give examples from home, school and the community. |
Evaluation
A. Write these numbers in figures:
- Six hundred and ninety-two
- Forty-three thousand and twenty
- One million and twenty-five thousand
B. Write these numbers in words:
- 120
- 2,408
- 75,619
Assignment
- Write five prices of goods you can find in a local market. Write each price in both figures and words.
- Write three other large numbers you may see in everyday life and express each one in words.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Leaving out zeros when converting words to figures.
- Putting commas in the wrong positions.
- Confusing thousands with hundreds.
- Misspelling number names.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is notation of numbers?
Notation of numbers is the way a number is represented using figures or written in words.
Why is place value important?
Place value tells us the value of a digit according to its position in a number.
Why do we use commas in large numbers?
Commas separate groups of three digits, making large numbers easier to read and understand.
Conclusion
Conclude the lesson by revising the meaning of notation, place value and the conversion of numbers between figures and words. Encourage pupils to practise with numbers they meet at home, in shops and at school. For the next related Mathematics topic, see Index and Indices – Primary 5 Mathematics First Term Lesson Note and Representing Data Using Pie Chart – Primary 5 Mathematics First Term Lesson Note.