Number Sentence
A number sentence is a mathematical sentence, made up of numbers and signs.
The expressions given in examples indicate equality or inequality.
Types of Number Sentences
A number sentence can use any of the mathematical operations from addition, subtraction, multiplication to division. Symbols used in any number sentence vary depending upon what they indicate.
 | Addition Sentence |
 | Subtraction Sentence |
 | Multiplication Sentence |
 | Division Sentence |
 | Less than Sentence |
 | Greater than Sentence |
 | Algebraic Sentence |
 | Fraction Sentence |
Number sentences can be true or they may not be true.
For example:
10 + 5 = 15. Here we are using the = sign which indicates a balance of both sides.
However, there could also be number sentences which say:
12 + 6 = 9 is not true, but 12 + 6 = 18 is true.
Therefore, a number sentence does not necessarily have to be true. However, every number sentence gives us information, and based on the information provided; it is possible to change the statement from false to true.
So, a number sentence contains numbers, mathematical operations, equal to or inequality sign and a number after the equality or inequality sign. If we remove any of these components, it will no longer be a number sentence.
For example:
10 + 8 > 15
However, if we write 10 + 8 it is not enough to understand what is the question to be solved.
If we write 10 + 8 15. It does not make any sense
If we write + >, this does not make any sense too.
Number sentence problems can come in the form of word problems, asking the students to write the equation.
For example: Mary has 10 strawberries. If Dan gives her 15 strawberries, how many strawberries does Mary have in total?
Other examples of a problem for number sentence could be as follows:
20 + ____ = 25
___ – 20 = 80
| Fun fact: – Number sentences are simply the numerical expression of a word problem. |
