Is That a Big Number?

Introduction

What is the biggest number you can think of? Write it on your mini whiteboard and show everyone.

How is your number linked to a real-life phenomenon? Use Google or AI to find out more. Here are two examples:

The diameter of red blood cells is about 0.0006 to 0.0008 cm (6 to 8 micrometers).
The diameter of the earth is approximately 1,274,200 cm (12,742 kilometers).

Can you think of anything much bigger and smaller in real life?

How can you present these other than writing out many zeroes?

Now take a look at this mindblowing video

What is the most effective way of writing extremely big/small numbers?
Now think about the initial question again: What is the biggest number you can think of? How do you think you can present it? Write it on your mini whiteboard and show everyone.

Standard Form

The most effective way of writing extremely big/small numbers is in standard form (also known as scientific notations). To learn more about standard form, try these desmos tasks: 1, 2.

You can also manipulate (add, subtract, multiply or divide) standard form. Take a look at this 4 part cognito lesson (4 videos altogether) to learn how to manipulate standard form.

Further Practice

Some of the essential skills introduced in this lesson are "standard form". The relevant skills can be found on DrFrostMaths, CorbettMaths, MyiMaths and Eedi. Watch any video and/or go through any online lesson as you see fit.

Transum

Standard form:

Standard Form: Test your understanding of standard form (scientific notation) with this self-marking quiz.
Standard Form Algebra: Deeply test your understanding of standard form (scientific notation) by involving a little algebra.

Extension

Factorials are another neat way to present a big number. The factorial of a non-negative integer n is the product of all positive integers less than or equal to n. It is denoted by n! and is defined as n×(n−1)×(n−2)×…×1

For example 10!=10×9×8×7×6×5×4×3×2×1=3,628,800

Here is a fascinating task to visualise the magnitude of the number of ways to arrange a pack of cards!

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