A number or other object whose digits (elements) read the same forward and backward.
A palindrome is something that stays the same when we read it from left to right or right to left. In math, we usually talk about palindromes as numbers that look the same both ways.
Let’s look at examples:
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121 is a palindrome because it reads the same forward and backward.
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3,003 and 77 are also palindromes.
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123 is not a palindrome, because it reads 321 backward, which is different.
Palindromes are a fun way to play with numbers and patterns. We can even find them in dates (like 02/02/2020) and words (like “mom” or “racecar”).
When Do Students Learn About Palindromes?
Students explore palindromes when they begin to recognize number patterns and symmetry in math.
Grades 2–4 – Exploring Palindromes
Students learn to identify and create palindromic numbers and words as part of pattern recognition and number sense.
