Big Numbers
A list of resources and videos on the theme of big numbers; from index numbers and standard form to Avagadro's number, Graham's number and the concept of infinity.
- ALL
- Textbook
- Video
- Presentation
- Group work
- Activity sheet
- External link
Textbook
Indices and Standard Form
This MEP resource covers index notation, the laws of indices, negative indices, standard form and fractional indices.
The initial file forms part of the textbook. I particularly like the activities sheet.
Video
Planning Learning: Samina's session
Improving Learning in Mathematics video shows a level 2 Free Standing Mathematics Qualification session on estimation of length and standard form.
Zero to Infinity
This is a Teachers’ TV programme in which Professor Marcus du Sautoy explains how humans have developed numbers for their mathematical needs.
He explains the problems encountered when attempting to divide by zero and takes us to Hilbert's Hotel to demonstrate the mind-boggling concept of infinity and looks at the difference between countable and non-countable infinities.
Presentation
Infinity
Carom Maths provides this resource for teachers and students of A Level mathematics.
This presentation highlights the concept of infinity and its implications, as well as introducing the mathematician Georg Cantor and the arguments relating to infinity that he came up with.
Group work
Estimating Length Using Standard Form N4
A resource from the DfE Standards Unit, students learn to interpret decimals using metric units, estimate lengths of real life objects and interpret standard form.They will also discuss and understand these processes. Some students will have encountered decimals and standard form before. The opening discussion is used to recall these ideas. (GCSE grades D -F)
Activity sheet
Number
A resource by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service looking at
• Big numbers: how 'big' is 'big' - using co-operative small group work
• Rounding sums of money - using technology creatively and appropriately
• Money - using higher order questions
• Number operations - using co-operative small group work
• Standard form - exposing and dicussing common misconceptions
• Temperature - using technology creatively and appropriately
External link
A clever way to estimate enormous numbers
This TED-Ed video shows students how estimations can be made using large numbers and includes the classic problem, how many piano tuners are there in Chicago.
Avogadros Number
A video from Numberphile explaining what Avagadro's number is and giving some idea of just how big it is. This video will give students some idea of just how big a big number is.
Graham's Number
A video from Numberphile explaining what Graham's number is. The video gives students an appreciation of how big numbers can be and includes an alternate way of writing big numbers.
What number comes before infinity?
Think of a Number presenter Johnny Ball explains the concept of infinity to four-year-old
How Big is infinity
A TED-Ed video which explains how some infinities are the same size, but some infinities are different sizes.
