Literal Numbers
Literal numbers are the letters which are used to represent a number.
The literal numbers are also known as literals. Literal numbers obey all the rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of numbers. Thus,
a + b means b is added to a
a - b means b is subtracted from a
a × b means a is multiplied by b
a ÷ b means a is divided by b
Note:
In multiplication, sometimes dot ‘.’ is used instead of ‘×’. The sign ‘.’ or ‘×’ is generally omitted between a digit and a letter or between two or more letters.
For Example:
(i) 5 × a or 5∙a can be written as 5a.
(ii) 10 × p can be written as 10∙p or 10p.
(iii) a × b can be written as a∙b or ab.
(iv) 2 × a × b can be written as 2∙a∙b or 2ab.
(v) a × b × c can be written as a∙b∙c or abc.
(vi) x × y × z can be written as x∙y∙z or xyz.
(vii) 5 × l × m × n can be written as 5∙l∙m.n or 5lmn.
(viii) a × x × y × z can be written as a∙x∙y.z or axyz.
(xi) 10 × j × k × l × m can be written as 10.j.k.l.m or 10jklm.
(x) 1000 × x can be written as 1000.x or 1000x.
But ‘.’ or ‘×’ must never be omitted between the digits.
Thus, 3× 5 can be written as 3∙5, but 3×5 or 3∙5 can never be written as 35.
Now, let us consider the perimeter of a square. We know that the perimeter is equal to the sum of all sides of a square.
Therefore,
Perimeter of a square of side 5 units =(5 + 5 + 5 + 5) units
= 4 × 5 units
= 20 units
Similarly, perimeter of a square of side 10 units = (10 + 10 + 10 + 10) units
= 4 × 10 units
= 40 units
Perimeter of a square of side 20 units = (20 + 20 + 20 + 20) units
= 4 × 20 units
= 80 units and so on.
Thus, we observe that in each case the perimeter is four times the length of its sides. That is,
Perimeter = 4 ×(Length of the side)
If we represent perimeter by P, length of the sides by s, the above statement can be briefly written as
P= 4 × S
The result (or rule) is true for all the system of units and for all possible value of the lengths of the side of the square.
So, from the above discussion that the use of the letters to represent numbers helps us to build formula such as
P = 4 × s, i.e., Perimeter of a square = 4 × length of the side
x × 0 = 0
and, 1 × a = a
Here, P, s, x and a represent numbers.
Also, the use of letters to represent numbers helps to think in more
general terms. These letters are generally known as literals.
Important Note:
From now onwards unless, otherwise stated, instead of the saying ‘x represents a number’ we shall simply say ‘x is a number’.
Similarly, for ‘y represents a number’ we shall simply say ’y is a number’, and so on.
Properties of Multiplication of Literals
Algebra Page
6th Grade Page
From Literal Numbers to HOME PAGE
Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.
Recent Articles
-
How to Do Long Division? | Method | Steps | Examples | Worksheets |Ans
Apr 20, 25 11:46 AM
As we know that the division is to distribute a given value or quantity into groups having equal values. In long division, values at the individual place (Thousands, Hundreds, Tens, Ones) are dividend… -
Word Problems on Division | Examples on Word Problems on Division
Apr 20, 25 11:17 AM
Word problems on division for fourth grade students are solved here step by step. Consider the following examples on word problems involving division: 1. $5,876 are distributed equally among 26 men. H… -
Subtraction of 4-Digit Numbers | Subtract Numbers with Four Digit
Apr 20, 25 10:27 AM
We will learn about the subtraction of 4-digit numbers (without borrowing and with borrowing). We know when one number is subtracted from another number the result obtained is called the difference. -
Subtraction without Regrouping |4-Digit, 5-Digit & 6-Digit Subtraction
Apr 20, 25 10:25 AM
We will learn subtracting 4-digit, 5-digit and 6-digit numbers without regrouping. We first arrange the numbers one below the other in place value columns and then subtract the digits under each colum… -
Worksheets on Missing Numbers from 1 to 20 | Counting Missing Numbers
Apr 20, 25 10:17 AM
Printable worksheets on missing numbers from 1 to 20 help the kids to practice counting of the numbers.
● Literal Numbers - Worksheets
Worksheet on Addition of Literals
Worksheet on Subtraction of Literals
Worksheet on Multiplication of Literals
Worksheet on Division of Literals
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.