Number Pairing of Even and Odd Numbers for Kids

A pair in Mathematics is defined as two objects; for example, if there are two apples kept in a table, then it can also be said that a pair of apples are kept on the table. Number pairing is a unique activity that can help kids to better understand the concept of odd and even numbers. Number pairing also helps in developing an understanding of classification and organisation. In this article, we focus on the discussion of the number pairing method of even and odd numbers. We also provide a brief discussion on what are even and odd numbers.

What are Odd and Even Numbers?

Odd and even numbers are the sub-classification of the whole numbers. The counting of the whole number starts with the number 1 which is an odd number. The odd number is defined as the number that is not completely divisible by 2. On the other hand, even numbers are defined as the numbers that are completely divisible by two, that is, the remainder is 0. The concept of even and odd numbers can be best explained through the number pairing method. This method is explained in detail below.

Number Pairing Method

As defined earlier, a pair is defined as the set of 2 objects. In the number pairing method, a set of objects is divided into pairs, if all the objects are classified in the pair without any object remaining the set is said to be even. On the other hand, if a set of objects has a remaining object the set is termed as odd. The number pairing of even and odd numbers can be better understood by the following examples.

Example 1

A student is given 8 candies and is asked to perform the number pairing activity. Based on the number pairing, the student has to define whether 8 is an even or odd number.

Solution: let us make a number pairing of 8 candies. A pair has 2 candies. There are 8 candies; hence, the candies can be grouped into 4 pairs, and there are no candies left behind. So, it can be said that 8 is an even number.

Example 2

Another student is given 7 objects. The student was then asked to perform the number pairing activity, the student was then asked to define if 7 is an even or odd number?

Solution: A student has 7 objects, upon pairing 3 pairs are formed. The pair contains two objects, thus 3 pairs have 2+2+2 = 6 objects, so there is 1 left. Since there is a remaining object, the number (7) is defined as the odd number.

Based on the number pairing method, teachers and parents can easily help kids to assess the number into even and odd numbers. The number pairing activity is not only fun and engaging but also helps in the better understanding and memorisation of the concepts of numbers.

Fun Fact

Let us look into some of the facts about even and odd numbers.

• If an odd number is subtracted from an odd number, the result would be an even number. For example, 7 − 3 = 4 which is an even number.

• If an odd number is added to an odd number, the summation result is an even number. For example, 7 + 3 = 10, which is an even number.

• If an even number is added to an odd number, the result would be an odd number. For example, 14 + 21 = 35, which is an odd number.

• If an even number is subtracted from the odd number, the result is an odd number. For example, 28 − 3 = 25, which is an odd number.

The number pairing is an easy and efficient activity that helps in determining whether a number is even or odd. The activity is mainly aimed to help kids understand the concept as it can be challenging to group large numbers. Apart from the activity, we have learnt what are odd and even numbers. We hope to have helped kids to develop an understanding of the concept.