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Number 8 in Maths: Simple Guide for Kids

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How to Recognize and Use the Number 8 in Everyday Life

The number 8 (eight) is represented by a number and numeral. It's the natural number that comes after 7 and before 9. It's an integer and a cardinal number, which means it's a number that can be counted. It's also classified as a real number, which distinguishes it from imaginary numbers.


Let us understand what the number 8 means and how it is used in various categories from this section.

What is 8 in Mathematics?

Eight is a composite number with the divisors 1, 2, and 4 as its appropriate divisors. Eight can be written as 23, totaling 23, which can be pronounced as two cubed. It has a sum of 7 aliquots. The aliquot sum of all powers of two is one less than their own.


The number 8

The Number 8


The octal number system, which is commonly used with computers, has an 8 as its basis. One digit in octal represents three bits. A byte, often known as an octet in modern computers, is a collection of eight bits.


The number 8 is a Fibonacci number, as it is made up of the numbers 3 and 5.


Under the second definition, where repeating prime elements are counted as often as they occur, 8 and 9 create a Ruth-Aaron pair.


An octagon is a polygon with eight sides. Octagonal numbers are figurate numbers that depict octagons (including eight). An octahedron is a polyhedron having eight faces.


Examples on 8

Let us look at a few descriptions that represent the number 8 in this section.


A little one showing his 8 fingers

A little one showing his 8 fingers


A set of 8 objects appeared at a place

A set of 8 objects appeared at a place


Interesting Facts

  • Since 8 is a Fibonacci number, it can be found naturally all around the world. The number eight, the sixth in the Fibonacci sequence, is the only number in the sequence (apart from one) that is a perfect cube (23). The Fibonacci series continues with thirteen, while the previous number is five.

  • An octagon is a two-dimensional object with eight sides, while an octahedron is a three-dimensional shape with eight faces. They are named from the prefix ‘oct’, which is used to signify the number eight in numerous English terms, including octopus (which has eight arms).

  • A popular British confection is designed to be consumed in the evening, specifically after 8 p.m. The minty heart of Nestlé's After Eight Mint Chocolate Thins (or just After Eight) is covered with chocolate. Every year, more than a billion After Eights are sold around the world.


Conclusion

Most of the children are much interested to represent the single digit using their fingers. And the number 8 is one of them. When parents or teacher asked children to show something that represents the number 8, they can immediately point their 8 fingers. That’s a good way of immediately responding and we can come to know that they have understood the topic. This is one of the good ways to teach children about the importance and working with the numbers.

FAQs on Number 8 in Maths: Simple Guide for Kids

1. What is the easiest way to explain the number 8 to a child?

The number 8 is the number that comes after 7 and before 9 when we count. A simple way to explain it is to show them eight of their favourite things, like eight crayons or eight toy cars. You can also show them that an octopus has eight arms, which makes it easy for them to remember.

2. How do you write the number 8?

Writing the number 8 can be fun! A common way to teach it is to 'make an S and do not wait, go back up to make an 8'. You start at the top, draw a curve like the letter 'S', and then, without lifting the pencil, curve back up from the bottom to meet the starting point. It looks like two small circles stacked on top of each other.

3. What are some real-world examples of the number 8?

You can find the number 8 in many interesting places around you. Some common examples include:

  • A spider has eight legs.
  • A standard stop sign has eight sides (it is an octagon).
  • There are eight planets in our solar system.
  • In music, an octave has eight notes.

4. Why is the number 8 considered an even number?

The number 8 is an even number because it can be divided into two equal groups with nothing left over. For example, if you have eight biscuits, you can share them equally between two people, and each person gets exactly four biscuits (4 + 4 = 8). Numbers that can be perfectly split into two are called even numbers.

5. How can you make the number 8 by adding two smaller numbers?

Understanding that bigger numbers are made of smaller ones is a key maths concept. You can show your child how to make 8 by combining different numbers, for example:

  • 1 + 7 = 8
  • 2 + 6 = 8
  • 3 + 5 = 8
  • 4 + 4 = 8
This helps in learning basic addition.

6. What is the importance of learning the shape and value of 8 in early maths?

Learning the number 8 is important for developing foundational maths skills. Recognising its unique shape helps with number identification and writing. Understanding its value helps in learning the number sequence, counting, and basic concepts like even numbers and simple addition, which are building blocks for more complex mathematics later on.