Ch. 20 - 2 Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e Objectives Choose between figure and word forms to express general numbers, sums of money, and numbers

Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e Ch. 20 - 2

Objectives• Choose between figure and word forms

to express general numbers, sums of money, and numbers beginning sentences.

• Express dates, clock time, addresses, and telephone numbers appropriately.

Numbers


• Use the correct form in writing related numbers, consecutive numbers, periods of time, ages, and anniversaries.

• Use the correct form in expressing numbers in conventional phrases, with abbreviations and symbols, and as round numbers.

Numbers


• Express correctly weights, measures, and fractions.

• Use the correct form in expressing percentages, decimals, and ordinals.

Numbers


General Rules

• The numbers one through ten are generally written out as words.

The van held nine passengers in three bench seats.

Numbers


General Rules

• Numbers 11 and above are written as figures.

Mary Gilford had 47 students in two classes.

Numbers


Sentence Openers

• Numbers that begin sentences are written as words.

Thirty-eight states have ratified the amendment.

Numbers


Sentence Openers

• A sentence beginning with a number involving more than two words should be rewritten.

One hundred sixteen delegates attended the opening session.

Numbers


Sentence Openers

• A sentence beginning with a number involving more than two words should be rewritten.

One hundred sixteen delegates attended the opening session.

A total of 116 delegates attended the opening session.

Numbers


Sums of Money

• Sums of money $1 or greater are expressed as figures.

Ms. White made purchases of $10, $19.95, and $40.

Numbers


Sums of Money

• If a sum is a whole dollar amount, omit the decimal and zeros (even if the amount appears with fractional dollar amounts).

Do you have $20 as your share of the gift that cost us $75.63?

Numbers


Sums of Money

• Sums less than $1 are generally written as figures followed by the word cents.

Our stationery costs 4 cents a sheet.

Numbers


Sums of Money

• If sums less than $1 are used in conjunction with sums of $1 or more, use a dollar sign and a decimal for each sum expressed.

Petty cash purchases were $1.19, $5.56, and $.42.

Numbers


Dates

• In dates, numbers that appear after the name of the month are written in cardinal figures (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Contracts must be signed and returned by January 30.

Numbers


Dates

• Dates that stand alone or appear before the name of the month are written in ordinal figures (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).

On the 1st of January and again on the 15th, we sent reminders.

Numbers


Clock Time• Figures are used when clock time is

expressed with a.m. or p.m.

• Omit the colon and zeros when expressing whole hours.

Appointments begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

Numbers


Clock Time• Either figures or words may be used

with “o’clock.”

I believe he called at three o’clock.

I believe he called at 3 o’clock.

Numbers


Addresses• House numbers are expressed as

figures except in instances of the expression of the solitary number One.

315 Jefferson Street

One Courtney Avenue

Numbers


Addresses• Street names that involve the number

ten or a lower number are written entirely as ordinal words.

114 Fifth Avenue

1215 Ninth Street

Numbers


Addresses• If no compass direction separates a

house number from a street number, the street number is expressed in ordinal form (-st, -rd, -th).

2094 East 32 Street

Numbers


Addresses• If no compass direction separates a

house number from a street number, the street number is expressed in ordinal form (-st, -rd, -th).

404 42nd Street

11300 79th Avenue

Numbers


Numbers

Addresses• Telephone and fax numbers are

expressed with figures.

• Place the area code in parentheses or separate the area code from the rest of the telephone number with a hyphen.

You can call me at (320) 555-3636, Ext. 207.


Correct any number errors you find in the following sentence. (The sentence may already be correct.)

1. 2 of twenty-one committee members arrived late.

Check your skill . . .



1. Two of 21 committee members arrived late.




2. On June 2d the sale begins at 7:00 a.m.




2. On June 2 the sale begins at 7 a.m.




3. With only twenty-five dollars in his pocket, Terry was facing a room bill of $69.75.




3. With only $25 in his pocket, Terry was facing a room bill of $69.75.




4. The college is located at Two Century Avenue Southeast.




4. The college is located at 2 Century Avenue Southeast.




5. The Kruegers moved from 1252 Rolling Oaks Lane to Seven Hundred West 16th Street.




5. The Kruegers moved from 1252 Rolling Oaks Lane to 700 West 16 Street.




6. If you reserve before the tenth of the month, your airline ticket will cost 310 dollars.




6. If you reserve before the 10th of the month, your airline ticket will cost $310.




7. Kendra’s bus fare was $.75.




7. Kendra’s bus fare was 75 cents.



Related Numbers

• Related numbers should be expressed as the largest number is expressed.

That department has two clerks, eight secretaries, and one manager.

Of the 24 pieces of equipment, 2 copiers and 9 computers are still under warranty.

Special Number Guidelines


Consecutive Numbers• When two numbers appear

consecutively and both modify a following noun, express the first number in words and the second in figures.

I purchased twelve 60-cent stamps.



Consecutive Numbers• If the first number cannot be expressed

in one or two words, place it in figures also.

We ordered 150 12-page promotional booklets.



Periods of Time• Periods of time are expressed

according to the general rules. That is, numbers ten and under are written as words, while those 11 and over are written as figures.The business had operated for 23 years.

In the past five years taxes have doubled.



Ages and Anniversaries• Ages and anniversaries that can be

expressed in one or two words are generally written in word form.

Mrs. Sawyer is sixty-one years of age, and her son is thirty-nine.

Reva celebrated her thirtieth anniversary with the company.



Ages and Anniversaries• Ages appearing immediately after a

name are expressed in number form.

Frank Geller, 45, was named company president.



Ages and Anniversaries• Ages expressed in exact years and

months are expressed in number form.

His daughter is 3 years and 8 months old.



Conventional Phrases• Numbers used in conventional phrases

are expressed as figures.

Section 7-251 Room 23Public Law 99-101 page 10 Figure 13 Area Code 320



Conventional Phrases• Numbers used with abbreviations are

expressed as figures.

Serial No. 98731142

Account No. 12-J

Apt. 316

Social Security No. 472-99-1434



Conventional Phrases• Symbols are usually avoided in

business writing.

• In other business documents symbols with number figures are frequently used.

65% 39¢ #9 envelope 2/10



Round Numbers• Round numbers (approximations) may

be expressed in word or figure form, although figure form is shorter and easier to comprehend.

Nearly 100 employees invested in the plan.

Nearly one hundred employees invested in the plan.




Round Numbers• Round numbers in the millions or

billions should be expressed with a combination of figures and words.

Over 2 million retail firms and 300,000 wholesale firms operate in the United States.



1. More than fifty reservations were called in before seven a.m.




1. More than 50 reservations were called in before 7 a.m.




2. Please order 50 one hundred-watt bulbs.




2. Please order fifty 100-watt bulbs.




3. The manufacturer guaranteed the repair work for sixty days.




3. The manufacturer guaranteed the repair work for 60 days.




4. We will mail our next payment within thirty days.




4. We will mail our next payment within 30 days.




5. Bryce completed his A. A. degree when he was 19 years old.




5. Bryce completed his A. A. degree when he was nineteen years old.




6. Quad Technology reported gross earnings of six million dollars.




6. Quad Technology reported gross earnings of $6 million.



Weights and Measurements• Express weights and measures with

figures.

The Oriental rug measured 9 x 12 feet.

Did you order 16- and 20-pound stationery?

Additional Number Guidelines


Weights and Measurements• Nouns following weights and

measurements should be spelled out.

Our new van used 13 gallons of gasoline to travel 250 miles.



Weights and Measurements• On business forms or in statistical

presentations, nouns following weights and measurements may be abbreviated.

10’ x 6’ #10 32 oz.

20 sq. yds. 65 lbs. 2 qts.



Simple Fractions• Simple fractions are expressed as

words.

• If a fraction functions as a noun, no hyphen is used.

Nearly two thirds of the members were present.



Simple Fractions• If a fraction functions as an adjective, a

hyphen separates its parts.

The proposal passed the board by a two-thirds majority.



Complex Fractions• Complex fractions are written either as

figures or as a combination of figures and words.

The gauge is accurate to 1 millionth of an inch.

His reaction time was 18/100 of a second.



Mixed Fractions• Mixed fractions (whole numbers with

fractions) are always expressed by figures.

The stock price was quoted at 46 1/8.

His slides measured 2 1/4 by 2 1/4.



Percentages• Percentages are expressed with

figures that are followed by the word percent.

• The percent sign (%) is used only on business forms or in statistical presentations.



PercentagesInterest rates rose from 8 percent to 15

percent.

A total of 89 percent of the employees cast votes in favor of the merger.



Decimals• Decimals are expressed with figures.

The elevator completed its descent in 8.7 seconds.



Decimals• If a decimal does not contain a whole

number and does not begin with a zero, a zero should be placed before the decimal.

Specifications require a setting of .005 inch.

Fewer than 0.5 percent of the voters supported the plan.



Ordinals• Ordinal numbers are generally

expressed in word form (first, second, third, etc.).

Our bank ranks tenth in terms of total assets.

Nancy Weagley represents the Thirty-first Congressional District.



Ordinals• Three exceptions should be noted:

1. Figure form is used for dates appearing alone or appearing

before a month.

I called your office on the 23rd.

On the 9th of June, we signed the contract.




2. Figure form is used for street names involving numbers greater than ten.

Their retail outlet is located on 78th Avenue.





3. Figure form is used when the ordinal would require more than two words.

Special recognition was given to the 100,000th visitor.


Compact Chart forNumber Expression

Use Words Use Figures

For ten and under For 11 and aboveAt sentence beginnings For moneyFor ages and anniver- For dates and time saries For addresses and For fractions phone numbers For weights and

measurements For percentages and

decimals



1. The computer diskette measures two by three inches.




1. The computer diskette measures 2 by 3 inches.




2. John ordered a nine by twelve tarp to cover 1/2 of the roof.




2. John ordered a 9 x 12 tarp to cover one half of the roof.




3. Bond funds need a 2/3 majority to pass.




3. Bond funds need a two-thirds majority to pass.




4. At least 90% of the stockholders had voted.




4. At least 90 percent of the stockholders had voted.




5. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson celebrated their 25th anniversary.




5. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary.




6. Robert Ness represents the 21st Congressional District.




6. Robert Ness represents the Twenty-first Congressional District.




1. We have 9 employees who come in at 4 p.m.

Chapter 20 - Quiz



1. We have nine employees who come in at 4 p.m.

Chapter 20 - Quiz



2. Over 2,000,000 small cars were imported this year.

Chapter 20 - Quiz



2. Over 2 million small cars were imported this year.

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3. 321 students indicated that they are interested in summer school.

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3. A total of 321 students indicated that they are interested in summer school.

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4. In these five offices we will need 11 new computers.

Chapter 20 - Quiz



4. In these five offices we will need 11 new computers.

Correct

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5. We paid five hundred thousand dollars for three twenty-five second commercials during the Super Bowl.

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5. We paid $500,000 for three 25-second commercials during the Super Bowl.

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6. The meeting is scheduled for April seventeenth at two o’clock.

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6. The meeting is scheduled for April 17 at two o’clock.

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7. This printer is priced to sell at five hundred dollars.

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7. This printer is priced to sell at $500.

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8. Our attorney moved her office from 4th Street to East Seventy-Sixth Street.

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8. Our attorney moved her office from Fourth Street to East 76 Street.

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9. The truck required thirty gallons of gasoline and two quarts of oil.

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9. The truck required 30 gallons of gasoline and 2 quarts of oil.

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10. The two bridges carried at least ten thousand cars during peak hours.

Chapter 20 - Quiz



10. The two bridges carried at least 10,000 cars during peak hours.

Chapter 20 - Quiz


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Documents

Ch. 20 - 2 Mary Ellen Guffey, Business English, 8e Objectives Choose between figure and word forms to express general numbers, sums of money, and numbers