Before Number Concept: Definition and Examples

Before number concept is all about recognising which number comes just before another. Learn how before number helps children with sequencing, reverse counting, subtraction, and fun number line activities in early maths.

Amit Lingwal6 Sept, 2025

The “before number” concept helps children understand the order and sequence of numbers. It shows which number comes immediately before another. For example, the number before 7 is 6, and the number before 21 is 20. This concept is introduced in early maths to develop reverse counting, strengthen sequencing, and prepare for subtraction.

Here, we will discuss the before number concept through number line representation, solved examples, word problems, and teaching strategies. These methods make learning simple and engaging so that children can confidently identify numbers that come before in any sequence.

What is the Before Number Concept?

The before number concept, often introduced as part of pre number concepts, is about recognising the number that comes immediately before another in a sequence.

For example:

The number 74 comes before 75.
The number 99 comes before 100.

This concept helps children understand that every number (except the very first one they start with) has another number before it. By practising this regularly, they learn how numbers are ordered and strengthen the skills needed for reverse counting, subtraction, and problem-solving.

Before Number Through Number Line Representation

Numbers can also be understood more clearly through a number line representation. A number line is a straight line with numbers placed in order at equal distances. It helps children see which numbers come before, after, and between.

The number which comes immediately to the left of another number on a number line is called its before number. Moving left means going backwards in the sequence.

Examples:

On the number line, the number just before 6 is 5.
On the number line, the number just before 12 is 11.
On the number line, the number just before 45 is 44.

By practising with number lines, children can visually understand that every number has another number that comes right before it (except the very first number, usually 0 or 1).

What is After Before Number?

The term after before number is often used in early mathematics to describe activities where children identify both the number that comes before and the number that comes after a given number. It combines the two directions of the number line into a single exercise.

Before number means the number that comes right before another in counting. For example, the number that comes before 90 is 89.

After number means the number that comes right after another in counting. For example, the number that comes after 90 is 91.

When children practise after before numbers together, they learn to move both forward and backward on the number line, which strengthens their understanding of sequence and prepares them for addition and subtraction.

Difference Between Before, After, and Between Numbers

Children often find it easier to understand sequencing when the three concepts are compared side by side. Before numbers, after numbers, and between numbers each describe a different position on the number line.

Before shows what comes immediately before a number.
After shows what comes immediately after a number.
Between shows which number lies in the middle of two others.

The differences between before, after, and between numbers can be understood clearly through the following table:

Difference Between Before, After, and Between Numbers
Aspects	Before	After	Between
Definition	A number that comes immediately before another in the number line.	A number that comes immediately after another in the number line.	Numbers that lie between two given numbers on the number line.
Example	On the number line, 3 comes before 5.	On the number line, 7 comes after 4.	5 is between 3 and 7 on the number line, as (3 < 5 < 7).
Direction of Sequence	Moves backward in the sequence.	Moves forward in the sequence	Look at the middle value.
Uses	Helps with subtraction. Example: To subtract 1 from 9, move to the number before it, which is 8.	Helps with addition. Example: To add 1 to 6, move to the number after it, which is 7..	Helps with ordering and comparison. Example: Knowing that 12 is between 11 and 13 shows correct order.

Before Number Concept Word Problems with Solutions

Word problems help children apply the before number concept in real-life situations. Here are some simple examples with step-by-step solutions:

Example 1:Riya is standing at number 18 on the hopscotch grid. She wants to know which number comes just before it.

Solution: The number before 18 is 17.

Example 2: A bus has seat numbers arranged in order. If Ali’s ticket shows seat number 25, what is the seat number just before his?

Solution: The number before 25 is 24.

Example 3: In a book, page 51 is open. What page number comes just before it?

Solution: The number before 51 is 50.

Example 4: On a staircase, each step is numbered. Meena is standing on step number 10. Which step is just before it?

Solution: The number before 10 is 9.

Example 5: A race track has runners with bib numbers. If one runner has the bib number 100, what is the number of the runner just before him?

Solution: The number before 100 is 99

How to Teach Kids the Before Number Concept?

Teaching before numbers to kids is very important for helping them learn the basics of maths. The idea of what comes before a number develops counting skills, introduces reverse order, and prepares children for subtraction. Various strategies can be used for teaching this concept in an engaging way:

1. Use of Number Lines

Visual Aids: Draw a number line with numbers marked. Show how moving one step to the left gives the number before.

Activities: Ask questions like, “What comes before 9?” and let children point to it on the number line.

2. Storytelling and Real-life Scenarios

Story Problems: Use short stories to explain the concept.

Example: “If there are 6 toffees and one is eaten, which number comes before 6?” → 5.

Daily Life Examples: “Which day comes before Thursday?” or “Which house comes before number 20?”

3. Interactive Games

Flashcards: Show a card with a number and ask, “What is before this number?”
Number Bingo: Call out numbers, and children mark the number that comes before.

Online Games: Use simple apps or websites that practice before numbers.

4. Worksheets and Practice

Fill-in-the-Blanks: Provide sequences where students complete the missing before number. For Example: __ , 41, 42

Number Charts: Give children a 1–100 chart and ask them to circle the number before the ones you call out.

5. Group Activities

Floor Number Line: Create a large number line on the floor. Have a child stand on a number, then ask the class which number is before it.
Card Relay: Teams pick a number card; the next player must quickly bring the card showing the number before it.
Number Puzzles: Create puzzles where one piece has a number and the matching piece has its before number. Students match them correctly.

Strengthen Your Child’s Maths Skills with CuriousJr Online Tuition

Is your child struggling with low marks in maths, even after spending extra time studying? This often happens when the basic concepts are not strong. Without a proper foundation, maths can feel confusing, frustrating, and difficult to enjoy.

At CuriousJr, we focus on building strong concepts from the ground up so that every child can approach maths with confidence. Our online maths classes make learning simple, engaging, and enjoyable, with teachers guiding students step by step and answering their questions during the session.

Here’s why parents choose our classes:

Two-teacher model: Every live session has one teacher explaining the lesson step by step, while another teacher provides instant support to students who have questions.
Individual attention: With two teachers in class, children never feel left behind, and doubts are solved as they come up.
Interactive learning: Concepts are taught using visuals, animations, and real-life examples, making maths easy to understand and fun to follow.
Consistent practice: Students get regular worksheets, homework support, and revision sessions to build accuracy and speed.
Confidence building: By mastering small steps, children gradually gain confidence in their ability to solve problems.
Parental involvement: Parents receive progress updates so they can track their child’s growth and stay informed about improvements.

CuriousJr is committed to turning maths into a subject children enjoy rather than fear. With the right guidance, every student can improve results and build a strong foundation for future learning. Book a demo class today and see how we make maths engaging and effective.

Before Number Concept FAQ

How do you find the before number of any given number?

To find the before number, subtract 1 from the given number or move one step left on a number line.

What is the before number of 15?

The number before 15 is 14.

Is there a before number for 0?

Yes, the number before 0 is –1 if we consider negative numbers. But in early maths, teaching usually starts from 0 or 1, so children may learn that no number comes before 0 or 1.