Writing Numbers

1
Writing Numbers

• ?Les Hanson 2002

2
Words or Figures?

• There are no fixed rules for expressing numbers
  in words or figures
• Different organizations follow different
  guidelines, but in general

• Use Figures
• for large numbers
• to show precision
• for money, serial numbers, phone numbers, etc.

• Use Words
• for numbers from one to ten
• to begin a sentence
• For approximate amounts

3
Use words when expressing

• Numbers under ten
• I need seven volunteers.
• Numbers that begin sentences
• (Words can have capital letters figures cant)
• Fifteen hands came up.
• BUT
• There were 15 volunteers.
• Simple fractions used in the body of a sentence
• The job is two-thirds complete.

4
Use words when expressing

• Ordinal numbers
• First, second, third, etc.
• Dont use 1st, 2nd , 3rd even in dates
• Use first, second, third unless space requires
  the shorthand version
• Time with the word oclock.
• Im leaving at twelve oclock.
• BUT
• He checked in at 1105 p.m.

5
Use figures when expressing

• Numbers over 10
• I counted 189 cars in the lot.
• Measurement
• 8 ½ by 11 inch paper
• A 6 percent increase
• Only use when space is an issue
• Money
• A 4 an hour raise
• Include the decimal only if cents are shown
• Then include the decimal for all numbers in the
  list
• My meal cost 8.50 yours was 9.00

6
Use figures when expressing

• Serial numbers, phone numbers, caption/page
  numbers, etc.
• [phone]
• See Figure 4
• Page 38 or p 38 (not pg.)
• Lists containing numbers less than and greater
  than 10
• 3 books, 18 pencils, 2 binders
• Dates
• Confederation was July 1, 1867
• Only use 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th, on tables or when
  space restrictions apply

7
Use a combination of words and figures when

• Dealing with very large numbers
• A population of 29 million
• Listing two numbers relating to the same thing
• Five 30-page booklets
• 150 three-inch nails
• Use words for the smaller number, but be
  consistent if working in a list

8
Interactive Quiz on Numbers

• Type in the following link or click on the button
  below to go to a self-marking quiz on numbers
• http//xnet.rrc.mb.ca/leshanson/Hot_Potato/Numbers
  .htm