AC9M6N02

Number > Types and Properties

Australian Curriculum Version 9 Says:

Identify and describe the properties of prime, composite and square numbers and use these properties to solve problems and simplify calculations.

What this means

This is the first mention of prime, composite, and square numbers.

  • Prime number; a counting number with exactly two factors (this means one is not prime). Examples include 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13…
  • A composite number has more than 2 factors;
    e.g., 12 has six factors (numbers that exactly divide into it: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.)
  • Square number; any counting number obtained by multiplying a number by itself, e.g., 3 × 3, 4 × 4 etc.
  • Using factors can simplify calculations.

Tip

Activity idea: make factor trees.

Click on image to Enlarge descriptor card.

Resources & Manipulatives

These Quick Curriculum Guides have been designed to take a look at the Australian Mathematics Curriculum (AC9), explain terminology and provide interpretations.

Narelle and I have used our professional judgement to put forward what is appropriate for students at this year level.

Authors: Dr Paul Swan & Narelle Rice
We would like to also thank Linda Marshall and David Dunstan for comments and assistance.

These documents serve as general advice only and do not take into account your specific needs and conditions. While best care has been taken in compiling these materials, mistakes may exist.
Australian Curriculum version 9 materials used under Creative Commons licence from ACARA. Readers should always refer back to the curriculum itself and the state-based curriculum that is relevant for you.

This document is copyright of A-Z Type (Dr Paul Swan). A copy of this document may be downloaded from www.drpaulswan.com.au.