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Syllabus

A Story of Numbers — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 8 · Mathematics

What A Story of Numbers covers in CBSE Class 8 Mathematics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the CBSE Class 8 Mathematics syllabus.

113 questions70 flashcards6 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 8 Mathematics · 2026-27

Topics in A Story of Numbers

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.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Evolution of number systems from counting methods to the Hindu decimal place-value system

Need for countingOne-to-one mappingNumber systemNumeralsMethod 1: sticksMethod 2: sounds or namesMethod 3: Roman numeralsEarly tally marks

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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.

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All CBSE Class 8 Mathematics Syllabus

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