Predecessor and successor are important concepts in mathematics that are often used in various fields such as computer science, engineering, and business. Understanding these terms is essential for building a strong foundation in mathematics.
These terms are used for a series of whole numbers. The number that appears just before the given number in a series is called Predecessor.
The number that appears just after the given number in a series is called Successor.
Predecessor is a number that comes before another number, and it is one less than that number. Predecessor of any given number is obtained by subtracting 1 from the given number.
For example : Predecessor of 68 is 68 – 1 = 67, similarly predecessors of the numbers 10, 15, and 20 are 9, 14, and 19, respectively.
After kids understand the concept of predecessor, introduce the concept of successor. A successor is a number that comes after another number, and it is one more than that number. Successor of any given number is obtained by adding 1 to the given number.
For example : Successor of 68 is 68 + 1 = 69. Similarly, successors of the numbers 10, 15, and 20 are 11, 16, and 21, respectively.
Kids can easily relate to real life examples. For instance, if a student is born in the year 2020, then their successor would be the year 2021, which comes after 2020 and predecessor of the year 2020 would be the year 2019.
Let’s begin by discovering some ways to teach predecessors and successors to our young learners in a fun and interesting ways :
Teaching predecessors and successors with kid friendly, clear and easy to understand posters :
Download more free printable teaching resources from Uncle Math School by Fun2do Labs for a better understanding of predecessors and successors.
Teaching predecessors and successors by activities :
Jigsaw Puzzle :
- There are puzzle pieces of 2 digit numbers along with P and S pieces.
- The level of the game is decided as per the age of the child; initially, 2 digit numbers can be taken.
- Kids can be instructed to make sets of predecessors and successors arranging numbers with the correct P or S piece.
Help your kids to practise predecessors and successors by interesting and engaging fun worksheets and solutions from Uncle Math by Fun2do Labs.
