Numeracy is the ability to use and apply mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems in a variety of contexts. It involves interpreting, applying, and communicating mathematical information to enable full participation in life roles. Numeracy bridges mathematics and the real world by allowing people to make meaning of mathematics and use it as a tool to solve problems in both education and everyday life situations.

1. What is Numeracy?
Numeracy is…

2. Numeracy is the knowledge and skills required to
effectively manage and respond to the mathematical
demands of diverse situations.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALLS), 2006.
Numeracy is…

3. Literacy also includes numeracy, such as the recognition
and use of numbers and basic mathematical signs and
symbols within a text.
DEEWR, Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Guidelines, 2009.
Numeracy is…

4. Numeracy involves abilities that include interpreting,
applying and communicating mathematical information in
commonly encountered situations to enable full, critical and
effective participation in a wide range of life roles.
Queensland Department of Education, 1994.
Numeracy is…

5. In this new light, numeracy is seen as the bridge
between mathematics and the real world. Numeracy is
an umbrella term that both expands the breadth of
the mathematics that is considered and the contexts
in which adults use that mathematics. Numeracy is
about making meaning of mathematics, at whatever
level of mathematical skill, and mathematics is a tool
to be used in a variety of applications in both
education and life.
Tout, D. and Schmitt, M.J., 2002, The Inclusion of Numeracy in Adult Basic
Education, NCSALL.
Numeracy is…

6. The ability to use mathematics at a level necessary to
function at work and in society in general [i.e.,] to:
understand and use mathematical information; calculate
and manipulate mathematical information; interpret results
and communicate mathematical information.
Department for Education and Skills (United Kingdom), 2001.
Numeracy is…

7. Numerate behaviour is observed when people manage a
situation or solve a problem in a real context; it involves
responding to information about mathematical ideas that
may be represented in a range of ways; it requires the
activation of a range of enabling knowledge, factors, and
processes.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALLS), 2006.
Numeracy is…

8. To be numerate is more than being able to manipulate
numbers, or even being able to ‘succeed’ in school or
university mathematics. Numeracy is a critical awareness
which builds bridges between mathematics and the real
world, with all its diversity.
Johnston, B., 1994, ‘Critical Numeracy’, Fine Print, vol. 16, no. 4.
Numeracy is…

9. The ability to read, write and use numbers, to handle
information, express ideas and opinions, make decisions and
solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and
lifelong learners.
Changing Lives: Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland (ALNIS), 2001
Numeracy is…

10. Numeracy is the ACSF is about using mathematics to make
sense of the world. Numeracy assists in dealing with
situations that involve the use and application of a range if
mathematical skills and knowledge which arise in workplace,
personal, training and community settings.
Australian Core Skills Framework, 2008
Numeracy is…

11. What is numeracy for you?...
…How do you define numeracy?