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Brandy Balls Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Numbers: To write as numerals or words
While doing my science degree we were taught to write certain numbers as words and numbers over a certain value as numerals.
I'm proofing a section on financial mathematics and it goes something like this:
"Bob earns a basic salary of R1 800 per month with 6.5% commission. During the month he visits 7 educational institutions. He sells calculators to two universities at R350 each when they order 180 and 217 calculators respectively. He also sells calculators to 5 schools at a price of R120 etc etc..."
I get that amounts should be numeral, and consider that this is a maths text and more numerals are probably better in terms of translating the words into an equation. But are there any set rules when it comes to writing out numerals, or keeping them written in full?
Additionally, any other handy hints when it comes to working with numbers in texts (like, I was taught to never start a sentence with a number no matter how long it was)?
Thanks
-B-
I'm proofing a section on financial mathematics and it goes something like this:
"Bob earns a basic salary of R1 800 per month with 6.5% commission. During the month he visits 7 educational institutions. He sells calculators to two universities at R350 each when they order 180 and 217 calculators respectively. He also sells calculators to 5 schools at a price of R120 etc etc..."
I get that amounts should be numeral, and consider that this is a maths text and more numerals are probably better in terms of translating the words into an equation. But are there any set rules when it comes to writing out numerals, or keeping them written in full?
Additionally, any other handy hints when it comes to working with numbers in texts (like, I was taught to never start a sentence with a number no matter how long it was)?
Thanks
-B-
Top answer
The general rules: Numbers one through ten or twelve should be written out. Numbers 13 - should be numerals. Also, sentences should neither start nor end with a numeral.
- The general rules: Numbers one through ten or twelve should be written out.
- Numbers 13 - should be numerals.
- Also, sentences should neither start nor end with a numeral.
- In your sample, I would change only 5 and 7 to five and seven.
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1 Answers
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The general rules: Numbers one through ten or twelve should be written out. Numbers 13 - should be numerals. Also, sentences should neither start nor end with a numeral. In your sample, I would change only 5 and 7 to five and seven.
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