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
-
Divisible by 10 | Test of Divisibility by 10 Video | Rules | Examples
Mar 29, 25 03:06 PM
Divisible by 10 is discussed below. A number is divisible by 10 if it has zero (0) in its units place. Consider the following numbers which are divisible by 10, using the test of divisibility by 10: -
Divisible by 9 | Test of Divisibility by 9 | Rules | Video | Examples
Mar 29, 25 02:55 PM
A number is divisible by 9, if the sum is a multiple of 9 or if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9. Consider the following numbers which are divisible by 9, using the test of divisibility by 9: -
Divisible by 6 | Rules for Test of Divisibility by 6 Video | Examples
Mar 29, 25 02:48 PM
Divisible by 6 is discussed below: A number is divisible by 6 if it is divisible by 2 and 3 both. Consider the following numbers which are divisible by 6, using the test of divisibility by 6: 42 -
Divisible by 5 | Rules for Test of divisibility by 5 | Video |Examples
Mar 29, 25 02:43 PM
Divisible by 5 is discussed below: A number is divisible by 5 if its units place is 0 or 5. Consider the following numbers which are divisible by 5, using the test of divisibility by -
Divisibility Rules From 2 to 18 | Math Divisibility Test | Videos |
Mar 29, 25 02:17 PM
To find out factors of larger numbers quickly, we perform divisibility test. There are certain rules to check divisibility of numbers. Divisibility tests of a given number by any of the number 2, 3, 4…
● 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.