NCERT Class 6 Mathematics Ganita Prakash (Sanskrit): Chapter 1 — गणित पद्धतिः
This chapter, 'What is Mathematics?', introduces the fundamental concept of mathematics as the exploration of patterns and their explanations. It highlights that patterns are ubiquitous, found in nature, our homes, schools, and even celestial movements. The chapter emphasizes that discovering and explaining these patterns is a creative and enjoyable process, leading mathematicians to view mathematics as both an art and a science. It encourages students to explore mathematical patterns and discover their creativity. The text also points out the importance of understanding why patterns exist, as explanations often lead to further discoveries and applications, citing examples like understanding celestial patterns to develop the theory of gravity and using pattern recognition in genomes for medical advancements. The chapter concludes by introducing number patterns as the most basic patterns in mathematics and mentions that the study of patterns in whole numbers is called number theory.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Ganita Prakash (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — गणित पद्धतिः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 275 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that mathematics is the study of patterns.
- Recognize patterns in everyday life and nature.
- Appreciate the creative and scientific aspects of mathematics.
- Understand the role of patterns in scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
- Be introduced to number theory as the study of number patterns.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| गणितशास्त्रं | Mathematics |
| प्रतिरूपम् | Pattern |
| अन्वेषणम् | Exploration/Investigation |
| व्याख्या | Explanation |
| विन्यासः | Arrangement/Structure/Pattern |
| सृजनात्मकं | Creative |
| कला | Art |
| विज्ञानं | Science |
| सङ्ख्या | Number |
| सम्पूर्णसङ्ख्या | Whole number |
| संख्या सिद्धान्त | Number Theory |
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Practice questions
- गणितशास्त्रं किं इति सामान्यतया कथं वक्तुं शक्यते? Answer: गणितशास्त्रं प्रतिरूपाणां अन्वेषणम् अस्ति।
- कुत्र कुत्र प्रतिरूपाणि दृश्यन्ते? Answer: प्रतिरूपाणि अस्माकं परितः सर्वत्रैव वर्तन्ते - परिसरे, गृहे, विद्यालये, सूर्य-तारक-चन्द्रमसादीनाम् आवर्तने च।
- गणितस्य कति रूपाणि सन्ति इति गणितशास्त्रज्ञाः मन्यन्ते? Answer: गणितशास्त्रज्ञाः गणितं कलारूपेण विज्ञानरूपेण च मन्यन्ते।
- सम्पूर्णसङ्ख्यानां अध्ययनस्य विन्यासाः कया शाखायाम् ज्ञातुं शक्यन्ते? Answer: संख्या सिद्धान्त इति शाखायाम्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic definition of mathematics presented in the chapter?
Mathematics is defined as the exploration of patterns and the explanation of how they exist.
Where can we find patterns according to the chapter?
Patterns are found everywhere around us, including our surroundings, homes, schools, and the movements of celestial bodies like the sun, stars, and moon.
Why do mathematicians consider mathematics as both an art and a science?
They view it as an art and a science because discovering and explaining patterns is an enjoyable, creative process.
Can you give an example of how understanding patterns leads to scientific advancement?
Yes, understanding patterns in the motion of stars and planets helped humans develop the theory of gravity and send rockets to the moon and Mars.
What is the branch of mathematics that studies patterns in whole numbers called?
The branch of mathematics that studies patterns in whole numbers is called Number Theory.
What is the significance of understanding 'why' patterns exist?
Understanding why patterns exist is important because it helps in developing explanations and can lead to further discoveries and applications.
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NCERT Class 6 Mathematics — Ganita Prakash (Sanskrit) — Chapter 1 — गणित पद्धतिः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.