Counting back from 5 what number follows 4
The correct answer and explanation is:
The number that follows 4 when counting back from 5 is 3.
Explanation:
When we talk about counting back from 5, it means we are counting backwards, or in decreasing order, starting at 5 and moving to smaller numbers.
Counting forward from 1 looks like this:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…
Counting backward from 5 goes the opposite way:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1…
So if we start at 5 and go one step back, we get 4. The next number that follows 4, going backward, is 3.
Why is this important?
Understanding counting backward is a fundamental math skill, often used in early education to help children develop number sense. It helps learners:
- Understand number order and the relationship between numbers.
- Develop skills for subtraction since counting backward is essentially subtracting one repeatedly.
- Build a foundation for negative numbers and more advanced math concepts.
- Improve sequencing skills which are essential in everyday tasks like telling time or following steps in a process.
Counting backward vs. Counting forward
- Counting forward increases the number value by 1 each time. Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Counting backward decreases the number value by 1 each time. Example: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
When we say “what number follows 4 counting backward,” it means “what is the next smaller number after 4 when moving down the number line.” The answer is 3.
In summary, the sequence counting backward from 5 is: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, … and so the number that follows 4 in this backward count is 3.