Helped to put a new idea to a number (5)
I believe the answer is:
aided
'helped' is the definition.
('aid' can be a synonym of 'help')
'a new idea to a number' is the wordplay.
'a new' indicates an anagram.
'to a number' becomes 'd' (D is an example).
'idea' anagrammed gives 'aide'.
'aide'+'d'='AIDED'
'to put' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for aided that I've seen before include "given assistance" , "not under their own steam?" , "'Assisted, helped (5)'" .)