What does the conservation of number refer to?

The conservation of number refers to the concept that the quantity of objects remains unchanged regardless of how they are arranged or presented. This principle is essential in understanding that even when the objects are spaced differently or moved around, their total amount does not alter. For example, if ten blocks are arranged in a line, then counted, they will still be ten blocks if they are grouped together or rearranged in a circle. This understanding typically develops in early childhood and is a crucial cognitive milestone, demonstrating a child's grasp of number constancy and foundational mathematical thinking.

The other choices revolve around concepts that do not accurately describe conservation. The idea that numbers change value during computation suggests a misunderstanding of mathematical operations. Stating that each number represents a different object may imply a lack of understanding of number representation and counting as identifiers rather than unique entities. Lastly, the notion that numbers can be divided arbitrarily does not pertain to conservation but rather to the concept of division and may lead to confusion in interpreting numerical value and quantity.