What is Forty-Two (42)? | Simple Explanation for Class 5-10

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What is Forty-Two?

Grade Level:

Pre-School – Class 2

All domains without exception

Definition

What is it?

Forty-Two (42) is a natural number that comes after 41 and before 43. It is an even number, meaning it can be divided by 2 without any remainder. It's a specific quantity representing 4 tens and 2 ones.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have 4 bundles of ten ladoos each, and then 2 more single ladoos. If you count all the ladoos together, you will have a total of Forty-Two ladoos. This is a specific count, just like 42 runs in a cricket match.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's find out how many items are in 'Forty-Two' by adding smaller numbers.
1. Start with 40.
2. Add 1 to 40. You get 41.
3. Add another 1 to 41. You get 42.
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Alternatively, you can think of it as:
1. Start with 20.
2. Add 20 to it. You get 40.
3. Add 2 more to 40. You get 42.
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So, Forty-Two is the number you get when you combine 40 and 2.

Why It Matters

Understanding numbers like 42 is fundamental to all of mathematics, from basic counting to complex algebra. It's crucial for careers in finance (calculating 42% interest), engineering (measuring 42 meters), and even sports analytics (tracking 42 goals).

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Confusing 42 with 24. | CORRECTION: The order of digits matters. 42 means four tens and two ones, while 24 means two tens and four ones; they are different numbers.

MISTAKE: Thinking 42 is an odd number. | CORRECTION: An even number can be perfectly divided by 2. Since 42 divided by 2 is 21 with no remainder, 42 is an even number.

MISTAKE: Skipping numbers when counting and missing 42. | CORRECTION: Always count in sequence (..., 40, 41, 42, 43, ...) to ensure you don't miss any values.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: If you have 20 mangoes and your friend gives you 22 more, how many mangoes do you have in total? | ANSWER: 42 mangoes

QUESTION: A bus has 45 seats. If 3 seats are empty, how many passengers are on the bus? | ANSWER: 42 passengers

QUESTION: Your mobile data plan gives you 50 GB per month. If you have already used 8 GB, how much data do you have left? | ANSWER: 42 GB

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following statements about the number 42 is true?

It is an odd number.

It is greater than 50.

It is an even number.

It comes before 40.

The Correct Answer Is:

42 is an even number because it can be divided by 2 (42 / 2 = 21) without a remainder. It is not odd, it is less than 50, and it comes after 40.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

In cricket, a batsman might score 42 runs in an inning, which is a specific and important count for the team's total. Similarly, an auto-rickshaw driver might charge you 42 rupees for a specific distance, a precise amount based on the meter.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

NATURAL NUMBER: A counting number (1, 2, 3, ...). | EVEN NUMBER: A number that can be divided by 2 without a remainder. | QUANTITY: An amount or number of something. | DIGIT: A single symbol used to make numbers (0, 1, 2, ..., 9).

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand what 42 is, you can explore other numbers and their properties, like prime numbers or multiples. This will help you build a strong foundation for arithmetic and number theory.