NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Math-Mela: Chapter 1 — Travellers — I
This chapter, 'Travellers — I', from NCERT's Class 5 Mathematics Math-Mela, introduces students to the concept of travel and large numbers. It begins by prompting reflection on personal travel experiences, including destinations, modes of transport, duration, and distance covered. The chapter then delves into the history of transportation, highlighting the evolution from animal-drawn carts and early vehicles to walking and animal use for long distances, and the invention of boats and ships. A significant portion focuses on reading and writing large numbers, specifically introducing 'ten thousand' (10,000). It explains the place value system, including the 'Ten Thousand' (TTh) column, and demonstrates how to write numbers like 10,000 and read numbers using commas. The chapter reinforces understanding by showing examples of expanding numbers like 1,380 and 9,123 into their place value components. This foundational chapter aims to build numerical literacy and connect mathematical concepts to real-world contexts of travel and history.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Mela |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Travellers — I |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 238 |
Learning outcomes
- Reflect on personal travel experiences and historical modes of transport.
- Understand the evolution of transportation methods over time.
- Introduce the concept of 'ten thousand' (10,000).
- Read and write numbers up to ten thousand using the place value system.
- Expand numbers into their place value components (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones).
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | Machines such as cars, buses, or trains that are used for transporting people or goods. |
| Transport | The movement of people or goods from one place to another. |
| Duration | The length of time that something continues or lasts. |
| Distance | The length of the space between two points. |
| Place Value | The value of a digit based on its position in a number. |
| Ten Thousand | The number 10,000, represented as 10 followed by four zeros. |
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Practice questions
- What are some early forms of transport mentioned in the chapter? Answer: Animal-drawn carts, walking, using animals, boats, and ships.
- How do we write the number 'ten thousand'? Answer: 10,000
- Expand the number 9,123 into its place value components. Answer: 9 Thousands + 1 Hundred + 2 Tens + 3 Ones.
- What does the 'TTh' column in the place value chart stand for? Answer: Ten Thousand
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Chapter 1?
The chapter introduces historical travel and transportation, and focuses on reading and writing large numbers, specifically 'ten thousand'.
How is 'ten thousand' written in numbers?
'Ten thousand' is written as 10,000.
What is the significance of the 'TTh' column in the place value chart?
The 'TTh' column represents the 'Ten Thousand' place value.
How does the chapter explain reading large numbers?
It explains using commas to help read large numbers easily and demonstrates place value expansion.
What historical context is provided about travel?
It mentions that humans have always travelled, with early methods including walking, animals, and eventually boats and ships, long before modern vehicles.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Mathematics — Math-Mela — Chapter 1 — Travellers — I. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.