Knowing Our Numbers

The symbols we use to represent number names, known as numerals, are actually representations that help us convey and understand the concept of quantity. However, numerals themselves are not physical quantities; they serve as abstract symbols. This means that they are forms or ideas that do not have tangible physical properties in the same way that actual quantities might have. For instance, when we see the numeral "6," it symbolizes the idea of six items, but it doesn't have to involve a tangible presence of those six items. Therefore, numerals are considered to be More Abstract than quantities. In this context, "abstract" means existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.