Numbers
English Language: KS3, topic 4.2.6
Bi - Two
Words beginning with 'bi' generally mean two of something.
Bilingual
- A person who is bilingual speaks two languages fluently.
- Example: Jenny's mother is Spanish and her father is Italian. She is bilingual because her parents taught her both Spanish and Italian.
- Alternative: Jenny's mother is Spanish and her father is Italian. She is fluent in two languages because her parents taught her both Spanish and Italian.
Bicycle
- A bicycle is a cycle with two wheels.
- Example: Johnny prefers riding his bicycle to taking the bus.
- Alternative: Johnny prefers riding his two-wheeled cycle to taking the bus.
Binary
- Binary means involving two things or having two parts.
- In maths and science, a binary system only has two numbers - one and zero.
- Example: Sapphire had to make a difficult binary decision - should she stay or should she go?
- Alternative: Sapphire had to decide between two options - should she stay or should she go?
Biform
- Biform means having two forms.
- Example: A Minotaur is a biform creature: half bull, half man.
- Alternative: A Minotaur is a two-form creature: half bull, half man.
Bipolar
- Bipolar disorder affects a person's mood. Sufferers alternate between two states: depression (feeling very down) and mania (feeling very happy).
- Example: It's thought that around 3% of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder.
Tri - Three
Words beginning with 'tri' generally mean three of something.
Triathlon
- A triathlon is a competition involving three different sporting events - normally swimming, cycling and running.
Tricycle
- A tricycle is a cycle with three wheels.
Tripod
- A tripod is a stand with three legs.
Test yourself on Numbers
The prefix 'bi' means how many things?
What number does the prefix 'tri' relate to?
Why is a triangle called a triangle?