Before, After and Between
In the previous lesson, we learned how numbers are arranged in order. Now we will learn how to identify the number that comes before, after or between other numbers.
These ideas help us understand the position of numbers in the counting sequence.
Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify the number that comes before another number.
- Identify the number that comes after another number.
- Find the number that comes between two numbers.
- Use counting to find missing numbers.
- Use a number line to understand number positions.
- Complete simple number sequences.
What Does Before Mean?
A number that comes before another number appears earlier in the counting sequence.
In this sequence, 3 comes before 4.
The answer is 4.
What Does After Mean?
A number that comes after another number appears later in the counting sequence.
In this sequence, 6 comes after 5.
The answer is 8.
What Does Between Mean?
A number is between two other numbers when it comes after one number and before the other.
Here, 3 is between 2 and 4.
The answer is 6.
Using a Number Line
A number line makes it easier to see which numbers come before, after and between other numbers.
Numbers on the left come before numbers on the right. Numbers on the right come after numbers on the left.
For example, 6 comes after 5 and before 7.
Finding the Number Before
To find the number before a given number, count one step backward.
Count backward:
Therefore, 7 comes before 8.
Finding the Number After
To find the number after a given number, count one step forward.
Count forward:
Therefore, 7 comes after 6.
Finding the Number Between
To find the number between two numbers, look for the number that comes after the first number and before the second number.
Therefore, 9 is between 8 and 10.
Example
Complete the sequence:
The number between 3 and 5 is 4.
Therefore, the missing number is 4.
Before, After and Between Together
Let us look at all three ideas together.
5 comes after 4.
5 comes before 6.
5 is between 4 and 6.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Before and After
Remember that before means earlier in the counting sequence, while after means later in the sequence.
Looking at the Wrong Direction
On a number line, numbers become greater as we move to the right and smaller as we move to the left.
Missing the Number Between
When finding a number between two numbers, count from the first number toward the second number carefully.
Skipping Numbers
Always check the complete counting sequence when filling in a missing number.
Practice
6, ___, 8
9, 10, ___
Try It Yourself
Choose any number between 2 and 9.
Then find:
- The number before it.
- The number after it.
- A number that comes between it and the next number.
Use a number line if you need help.
Quick Revision
- Before means earlier in the counting sequence.
- After means later in the counting sequence.
- Between means in the middle of two numbers.
- A number line can help us find number positions.
- Counting forward helps us find the next number.
- Counting backward helps us find the previous number.
Chapter Complete
You have now completed Chapter 1 — Numbers and Counting. You learned about numbers, counting, reading and writing numbers, comparing numbers, number order, and identifying numbers before, after and between.
These ideas form an important foundation for the mathematical concepts you will learn in the next chapter.