Learn how numbers really work by understanding the underlying structures of everyday maths with this course for teachers.

- Duration4 weeks
- Weekly study3 hours
- 100% onlineTry this course for free
Maths Subject Knowledge: Understanding Numbers
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Improve your subject knowledge of numbers as part of the maths curriculum
We use numbers every day, but do we really appreciate how they work?
There are lots of fascinating connections and patterns to explore once you delve into the mathematical structure of how simple numbers work.
On this course, you will develop an understanding of the underlying mathematical structure of everyday mathematics.
You will learn why mathematical methods work and find the connections between different areas of maths so that you can appreciate the interconnected nature of different maths topics.
Syllabus
Week 1
Number systems
Understanding numbers
Over the next four weeks we will explore the properties of a range of numbers, connections between different number types, and delve into different number systems. We start by looking at the origins of our number systems.
Place value systems
The denary number system is the one we most commonly use. Here we look at the underlying principles and the place value system.
Other number bases
We've looked at base 10, now we look at how it's possible to work with other number bases. This is particularly important in computing.
Week 2
Multiples, factors and primes
Grouping numbers
This week we look at how numbers are grouped, in particular through times tables. This leads us into exploration of multiples, factors, and primes.
Patterns of divisibility
In the next steps we explore whether the last digit in numbers shows us whether that number is exactly divisible by another. There are some interesting links to error checking used in real life.
Multiples and factors
Lowest common multiples and highest common factors are used across areas of mathematics. In these steps we clarify what they mean and how they can be used.
Prime numbers
Prime numbers is a group of numbers that many people have heard of. How would you define what a prime number is and how might you find them?
Week 3
Negative numbers and exact numbers
Negative numbers
So far in the course we have only looked at positive whole numbers. How do calculations work with negative numbers and what patterns might there be?
Negative numbers: addition and subtraction
We'll now look at the different ways you can teach addition and subtraction of negative numbers.
Negative numbers: multiplication and division
Moving on from addition and subtraction, you'll now explore a couple of approaches for multiplying and dividing by negative numbers.
Order of operations
The agreed system for processing calculations is the order of operations. Without an order, chaos reigns!
Approximation and exact answers
In the final part of this week we look at representing approximations and different forms of exact answers using irrational numbers.
Week 4
Number sequences
Introducing number sequences
Our final week of the course looks at number sequences and different activities that link numbers together.
Types of sequences
There are two main types of mathematical sequence studied in school: arithmetic and geometric. We start though with a sequence you may have heard of before: Fibonacci.
Characterising numbers
In the final part of this course we look at square, triangle, perfect and happy numbers.
Reviewing your professional development
Review your professional development and plan your next steps to sustain and develop the way you plan for learning.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore how the number system we use every day actually works
- Investigate patterns created when exploring factors of numbers, multiples of numbers and prime factorisation of numbers
- Explain when and why two negatives make a positive
- Describe the order in which operations are performed
- Explore a variety of different number sequences
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for teachers and educators who don’t have a specialism in maths but wish to learn mathematical methods and improve their understanding.
This includes:
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new teachers, student teachers or people just about to start their teaching career who are interested in increasing their mathematical subject knowledge
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inexperienced teachers of mathematics for whom mathematics was not a major part of their degree
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non-specialist teachers of mathematics whose expertise lies elsewhere.
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teachers of science
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teachers of technology, engineering, and other related subjects
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parents wishing to support their children.
Who will you learn with?
Mathematics Subject Specialist at the National STEM Learning Centre, York.
I have taught mathematics for over 30 years, as a head of department, an advanced skills teacher and as maths lead at STEM Learning. I am the level 3 lead for the Yorkshire Ridings maths hub.
Learner reviews
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