Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 5 of 14
Revision Notes

A Story of Numbers — Revision Notes

CBSE · Class 8 · Mathematics

A Story of Numbers revision notes for CBSE Class 8 Mathematics: 4 topics in quick points. Part of the CBSE Class 8 Mathematics syllabus.

113 questions70 flashcards6 formulas & key relations5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying A Story of Numbers? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for revision notes and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

Free trial, no card needed.

Key Topics to Revise

1

1. Early Ways of Counting and Representing Numbers

  • One-to-one mapping means matching each object with exactly one stick, mark, or symbol.
  • Tally marks are notches cut on surfaces such as bones or cave walls.
  • The Ishango bone dates back 20,000 to 35,000 years and was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2

2. Number Systems Before the Hindu System

  • The Roman number system used I, V, X, L, C, D, and M as landmark numbers.
  • Roman numerals were used in Europe before being replaced by the Hindu number system.
  • Roman numerals were not built on powers of a single base, so large numbers and multiplication were difficult.
3

3. The Idea of Base and Place Value

  • A number system with a base uses powers of one number as landmark numbers.
  • This makes writing and multiplying numbers easier.
  • In the Egyptian system, the landmark numbers are powers of 10.
4

4. Zero and the Hindu Number System

  • The digits 0 to 9 originated and developed in India around 2000 years ago.
  • The first known instance of numbers written using ten digits including 0 as a dot appears in the Bakhshali manuscript, c. 3rd century CE.
  • Aryabhata was the first mathematician to fully explain and do elaborate scientific computations with the Indian system of 10 symbols.

Get complete notes with diagrams and examples

Full Notes

Key Concepts

Counting begins by matching each objectA number system is a standardNumerals are the symbols usedTally marks are notches cut onThe Gumulgal number names were formed

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in A Story of Numbers for CBSE Class 8 Mathematics?
Key topics in A Story of Numbers include Early Ways of Counting and Representing Numbers, Number Systems Before the Hindu System, The Idea of Base and Place Value, Zero and the Hindu Number System. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 8 exams.
How should I revise A Story of Numbers for Class 8 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 113 practice questions on A Story of Numbers. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for A Story of Numbers

All CBSE Class 8 Mathematics Revision Notes

For serious students

Get the full A Story of Numbers chapter — start free.

Quizzes, flashcards, an AI doubt solver and a study plan for CBSE Class 8 Mathematics. Free to start, no card needed.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try this chapter free