What is Numerical Literacy?
Numerical literacy, also known as numeracy and mathematical literacy, is a person’s ability to use and understand mathematics. It also includes a person’s ability to use mathematics to reason and solve mathematical problems, basic and complex, in real world situations.
When a person is mathematically literate, they are able to not only use mathematics, but they can explain to others how to use mathematics.
A mathematically literate person has a wide range of mathematical concepts, knows how to use the concepts, can solve problems using these concepts, can determine which concept to use when solving a problem, and has overall enjoyment about mathematics.
"Quantitative reasoning capabilities required of citizens in today's information age."
-The Mathematical Association of America
"Numerical literacy is the ability to participate in abstract logical reasoning and problem-solving through the manipulation of symbolic systems."
-University of Indianapolis
"Numerical literacy includes the ability to analyze and understand logical arguments and statistical information commonly encountered in life, as well as the ability to express this understanding orally and in writing."
-Ball State University
“Numeracy is to mathematics as literacy is to language.”
-Lynn Arthur Steen