Tally marks

High school (ages 12+)
Mathematics & Numbers

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tally-marks

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the numeral system classification?Unary numeral system
2. What is the historical artifact?Tally sticks (notched bones/sticks)
3. What are tally marks and how do they work?Tally marks are simple vertical lines, and each line means one item. By drawing a line for each thing you count, you can see how many there are.
4. Why do people use tally marks instead of numbers?Tally marks let you add a mark right away, so you don’t have to erase or do complicated math. They’re perfect for keeping score while playing games.

Unary Numeral System: A number system where each unit is represented by a repeated symbol, without place value.
Tally Stick: An artifact, typically a notched stick or bone, used historically for counting and record-keeping.
Sequential Data: Data that is recorded in the order in which events occur.