Classification
Classification is defined as the systematic arrangement of the objects in groups or categories according to fixed criteria. It is a part of a fundamental pre-number learning concept. Comparing items according to similarities and differences falls under classification. There are various aspects that we can teach kids with help of classification. The three major factors are:
- It helps in identifying objects or living organisms.
- It helps in understanding and studying the features, similarities, and differences between different objects.
- It tells us about how the objects are grouped and categorized under different categories.
| 1. | What is Classification in Math? |
| 2. | Ways of Classification |
| 3. | Solved Examples on Classification |
| 4. | Practice Questions on Classification |
| 5. | FAQs on Classification |
What is Classification in Math?
Classification means arranging or sorting objects into groups on the basis of a common property that they have. If you have a group of things, such as fruits or geometric shapes, you can classify them based on the property that they possess. For example, you can classify the apples in one category, the bananas in another, and so on. Similarly, geometric shapes can be classified as triangles, quadrilaterals, and so on. Let us understand this with another example. If you are asked to identify the relation between the given pairs on either side of \(: :\) and you need to find the missing figure from the four options given, can you do it?
Here the exact match is a 'ball', which is option A.
- Classification is best introduced using color counters. Children can be asked to classify the counters as per their colors.
- We need to identify one similar property in a given set of terms or figures and then find the odd one out.
- Try to understand the relationship between the groups and then start categorizing them.
- Find out the missing part in the analogy to identify the odd one.
Ways of Classification
Classification can be done on the basis of various parameters. It could be different colors of objects, different sizes, etc. Let us explore different ways of classification along with classification examples.
- Classification on the basis of shape.
- Classification on the basis of size.
- Classification of numbers.
- Classification on the basis of color.
Classification on the Basis of Shape
Based on the shape of objects, they can be classified into different known categories. For example, observe the following shapes and try to classify them.
All the shapes can be classified not only according to their shape but also according to their sides.
As you can see, we have classified all the shapes according to their number of sides.
- Quadrilaterals- classified in the category of four-sided figures.
- Triangles- classified in the category of three-sided figures.
- Pentagon- classified in the category of five-sided figures.
Let us learn how classification can be done on the basis of size
Classification on the Basis of Size
Observe the circles in the figure along with their arrangement. All the circles are arranged in the increasing order of their size. The smallest one is placed first followed by the bigger one and so on.
Classification on the Basis of Color
Let us separate the circles according to their color now. In the above figure, we had 6 circles of different sizes. If we classify them on the basis of their color, we have three circles of green and three of blue. We can further arrange these circles in the increasing order of their size.
Classification on the Basis of Numbers
We can also arrange the given set of objects based on the numbers. Observe the following example. The column to the left displays the numbers from 1 to 4. The column to the right displays the rows of different objects. The numbers are matched to the quantity that they represent.
Solved Examples on Classification
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Example 1: Count, classify and sort the fruits in separate groups.
Solution
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Example 2: Can you count the fishes and classify them with the correct number?
Solution:
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Example 3: Classify the numbers on the basis of number of digits. Separate 1-digit numbers and 2-digit numbers and place them in the respective boxes.
Solution:
FAQs on Classification
What are Mathematical Classifications?
Classification is a pre-number math skill where the classes can be defined. Sorting is where items are sorted as per the pre-defined characteristics or attributes of different categories.
What is Classification in Simple Words?
Classification is a systematic arrangement of objects in groups and categories.
What are the Two Classifications of Shapes?
Shapes can be of the following types:
- Open or closed
- 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional
- Curved or straight
What does Classify Shapes Mean?
Classify shapes means to differentiate between various shapes on the basis of their size, sides, properties, etc.
How Many Classification of Real Numbers are There?
Real numbers can be classified as rational numbers and irrational numbers. Rational numbers can be further classified as whole numbers, integers, natural numbers, and fractions.
Why is Sorting Used?
It is mainly used in order to arrange the items in a systematic order.
How are Triangles Classified?
Triangles are classified on the basis of their sides and angles. They can be acute, obtuse, or equiangular triangles when classified based on their angles. They can be scalene, isosceles, or equilateral when classified based on their sides.
What Is Another Word For Matching?
Equal, duplicate, classifying, and comparable are a few words used as synonyms for matching.