Course Overview

Numbers are the language of mathematics. Understanding how numbers are organized, represented, and manipulated is essential for success in all areas of math. In this course, students will develop strong number sense by exploring place value, whole numbers, decimals, integers, factors, multiples, and scientific notation. Through problem-solving and real-world applications, students will build the confidence and skills needed for future studies in fractions, algebra, geometry, and beyond.


Unit 1: Understanding Our Number System

Explore the structure of the base-ten number system and develop a strong understanding of place value.

1.1 Digits and Place Value

  • Place value positions
  • Value of digits
  • Reading large numbers

1.2 Standard, Word, and Expanded Form

  • Writing numbers in different forms
  • Converting between forms
  • Understanding number composition

1.3 Comparing and Ordering Numbers

  • Greater than and less than
  • Number lines
  • Ordering values

1.4 Estimation and Rounding

  • Rounding to different place values
  • Estimating quantities
  • Reasonableness of answers

1.5 Patterns in the Place Value System

  • Powers of ten
  • Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000
  • Recognizing numerical patterns

Unit 2: Whole Numbers and Operations

Develop fluency with calculations and deepen understanding of whole number relationships.

2.1 Properties of Whole Numbers

  • Natural numbers
  • Whole numbers
  • Even and odd numbers

2.2 Mental Math Strategies

  • Estimation techniques
  • Efficient calculations
  • Number sense strategies

2.3 Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction

  • Place value methods
  • Regrouping
  • Checking solutions

2.4 Multi-Digit Multiplication

  • Area models
  • Partial products
  • Standard algorithms

2.5 Long Division

  • Division procedures
  • Interpreting remainders
  • Verification strategies

Unit 3: Decimals and Place Value Extensions

Extend place value concepts beyond whole numbers and apply decimal operations.

3.1 Understanding Decimal Place Value

  • Tenths, hundredths, and thousandths
  • Decimal place value charts
  • Reading and writing decimals

3.2 Comparing and Ordering Decimals

  • Place value comparisons
  • Number line representations
  • Equivalent decimals

3.3 Rounding and Estimating Decimals

  • Decimal rounding rules
  • Estimation techniques
  • Practical applications

3.4 Decimal Operations

  • Addition and subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division

3.5 Applications of Decimals

  • Money calculations
  • Measurements
  • Scientific and everyday data

Unit 4: Integers and Number Relationships

Explore positive and negative numbers and investigate important number properties.

4.1 Positive and Negative Numbers

  • Integers
  • Number line representation
  • Real-world contexts

4.2 Comparing and Ordering Integers

  • Absolute value
  • Relative position on a number line
  • Ordering integers

4.3 Factors, Multiples, and Divisibility

  • Divisibility rules
  • Common factors
  • Common multiples

4.4 Prime Factorization

  • Prime and composite numbers
  • Factor trees
  • Prime decomposition

4.5 Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple

  • Finding GCF
  • Finding LCM
  • Applications in problem solving

Unit 5: Scientific Notation and Number Sense

Learn to work efficiently with very large and very small numbers.

5.1 Very Large Numbers

  • Millions, billions, and beyond
  • Reading and writing large values
  • Real-world examples

5.2 Very Small Numbers

  • Thousandths and smaller values
  • Scientific measurements
  • Comparing small quantities

5.3 Powers of Ten

  • Exponents
  • Positive powers
  • Negative powers

5.4 Scientific Notation

  • Writing numbers in scientific notation
  • Converting between forms
  • Comparing values

5.5 Number Sense in Real-World Contexts

  • Astronomy
  • Population statistics
  • Microscopic measurements
  • Financial applications

Course Summary

By the end of this course, students will have developed a strong understanding of the number system and how numbers are represented and used. They will be able to read, write, compare, estimate, and calculate with whole numbers, decimals, and integers. Students will also understand factors, multiples, prime factorization, and scientific notation, providing a solid foundation for future learning in fractions, algebra, geometry, and higher-level mathematics.

Students will learn to:

  • Understand and apply place value concepts.
  • Work confidently with whole numbers and decimals.
  • Compare and order different types of numbers.
  • Use factors, multiples, and prime factorization.
  • Understand positive and negative numbers.
  • Apply scientific notation to large and small quantities.
  • Develop strong number sense and estimation skills.

This course establishes the mathematical foundation upon which all future mathematics is built, helping students become confident and capable problem solvers.

 
 
Last modified: Thursday, 4 June 2026, 7:52 AM