Marian's Point of View ( Frontiers of Space)

         Numbers are all around us in many forms. In order to understand and appreciate numbers, we need to understand how the number system works and how numbers relate to each other. It is important to know first the single number structure. In our system ALL numbers can be represented using combinations of a finite set of digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Learning about the inside and outside of this number system from scratch is similar to learning a new language. It is more complex than might at first appear because:

1. The use of numbers round us can be in any way. For example, numbers can be or they can represent quantity in a variety of contexts.
2. the same digit takes different values depending on the ‘place’ in which it is placed.
3. the number system is infinite. Mastering the structure of whole numbers is the first step followed by understanding of fractions and decimals and the inter-relationships between them.

        I believe that everyone is capable of understanding and mastering the number system because it is based on a basic pattern and structure. Understanding this allows me to feel much comfortable with numbers and is the basis of functional numeracy for everyday life. At any stage when someone wants to extend their understanding of the number system,they simply have to look back and understand the historical breakthrough of number systems.

Marian <3