What is a Number Sentence? Definition & Examples

A number sentence and an average sentence are very much similar to each other. The only difference is that a number sentence consists of different types of numbers and symbols in place of alphabets, with proper sense and meaning. A number sentence uses symbols, numbers and signs to make mathematical sense. Therefore, numbers are mathematical sentences with different symbols and numbers.

For instance, 7+7= 14

The numbers 7, 7 and 14 are used in a definite combination of + and =, which provides a proper meaning to the number. The above equation can be read as seven in the standard English language. When added to seven, it makes up 14. The example mentioned is also known as the example of equality.

Another example is 15+ 7 >12

In the above sentence, when read in English, it will be termed as more significant than. Adding the number 15+7 is greater than 12.

Different types of a number sentence:

• Additional sentences: Additional sentences are those types of sentences which include the use of additional functions. For instance, 8+6=14
• Subtraction sentence: Subtraction sentences are those that include the function of subtraction. For example, 6-3=3
• Multiplication sentence: Mathematical sentences which include the function of multiplication of numbers. For example, 8 x 8 = 64
• Division sentences: mathematical sentences which include the function of division in the sentence. For example, 50 ÷ 5 = 10
• Less than The mathematical sentence which includes the symbol of less than is known as the less than the symbol. 3 + 4 < 10
• More than The mathematical sentences which include the sign of more than are known as mathematical sentences. 7 + 2 > 6
• Algebraic sentences: Mathematical sentences including different combinations of variable and algebraic terms are known as algebraic sentences. For instance, a + b = c
• Fraction sentences: The mathematical sentences consist of different types of fractions during their formation. For example, 5/3 + 2/3 = 7/3

Things to remember when dealing with number sentences:

• The number of sentences may or may need to be more accurate. For example, 12+5=17 is both accurate and informative. However, on the other hand, 12+5=10 is not true; however, it is informative. The wrong sentence in mathematics also provides information regarding the sentence, which can be used to turn it into the correct sentence in mathematical terms. For instance, the above above, 12+5=10, provides information regarding the action needed to convert it into the correct sentence. Therefore, changing the number 10 will make the sentence correct and informative and make it a justified number sentence. 
• The number sentence consists of different types of symbols, operations, numbers and also a second number after using a decisive symbol such as quality or inequality. However, if any symbols get omitted or are missing, the sentence becomes wrong and does not provide the actual information from the sentence. For instance, 12+5> 14 can be read as the sum of 12 and 5 is greater than 14. However, if the expression becomes 12+5, 12+5>, or 12+5, 12 did not provide any helpful information regarding the numerical sentence. 
• The number sentences in mathematics can also be in the form of word problems. For example, John has four oranges. His brother William has 15 oranges. What is the total number of oranges they both have together?
• In the number sentence, the following sentence is expressed as the total number of oranges is 4+15= 19 oranges. 
• In this way, the word problem in mathematics can be converted into number sentences, which helps provide accurate information regarding an issue. 

Conclusion

The number of sentences, in general, can be defined as expressing regular sentences in a mathematical format. These mathematical sentences consist of different types of numbers, operations and symbols in their structure. These number sentences may or may not be accurate in different cases. However, they help in proving the information regarding the sentences, which can be used to convert them into correct forms that can provide meaning, expression and purpose in mathematics. The number of sentences is essential as they help make the students learn different standards quickly and help increase their overall proficiency.