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A.3 Write whole numbers in word form

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What does it mean to write numbers in word form?

Writing numbers in word form means expressing a number using words instead of digits. It shows the value of each part of the number using place value words such as “hundred,” “thousand,” and “million.”

Example:
  • 4,582 → four thousand five hundred eighty-two
Note

Writing numbers in words helps you understand the number’s value and place value more clearly.

How to write numbers in word form

To write a whole number in word form, break it into periods (groups of three digits), then write each group with the correct place value name.

Steps:
  • 1. Separate the number into periods: 472,639 → 472 | 639
  • 2. Read each group as if it were a whole number: 472 → four hundred seventy-two
  • 3. Add the period name after the group (except for the last one): four hundred seventy-two thousand
  • 4. Read the last group: 639 → six hundred thirty-nine
  • 5. Combine: four hundred seventy-two thousand six hundred thirty-nine
Note

Do not use “and” when writing whole numbers. “And” is used only when writing decimals or mixed numbers.

Understanding place value in word form

Each digit in a number has a value based on its position. Place value names include ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, millions, and so on.

Example:
  • 8,316 → eight thousand three hundred sixteen
  • The “8” is in the thousands place, so it means eight thousand.
Note

When reading large numbers, say each group clearly. For example, 7,204,015 is read as “seven million two hundred four thousand fifteen.”

Writing and reading large numbers

Large numbers are written in word form by grouping digits into periods of three and naming each period (thousands, millions, billions, etc.).

Examples:
  • 25,804 → twenty-five thousand eight hundred four
  • 3,056,210 → three million fifty-six thousand two hundred ten
  • 402,000 → four hundred two thousand
Note

Write numbers in a clear, consistent way. Use hyphens for compound numbers between 21 and 99 (for example, “thirty-seven”).

Check your work

After writing a number in words, read it back aloud to make sure it matches the original number. Each place value should sound correct and complete.

Example:
  • Number: 9,047 → Word form: nine thousand forty-seven
  • Check: Does “nine thousand forty-seven” equal 9,047? Yes.
Note

If the number sounds incorrect when read aloud, recheck your place value and the spelling of each word.