Reading numbers not exceeding one billion (1 000 000 000)

Reading a whole number depends on the number of digits and the total value of each digit in the given number. Start to identify ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, and so on. Read the whole number from the left towards the right by considering the total value of the digit. In other words, start with a digit in the highest place value.

For example, start with billions, followed by hundred millions, ten millions, millions, hundred thousands, ten thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. Remember that, reading a number in numerals is the same as reading it in words.

Example 1

Read the following numbers:

(a) 20 345 000

(b) 654 987 432

Solution

Therefore, 20 345 000 is read as twenty million three hundred and forty-five thousand.

(b) 654 987 432

Therefore, 654 987 432 is read as six hundred fifty-four million nine hundred eighty-seven thousand four hundred and thirty-two.

Example 2

Read the number in the boxes represented by the following abacus:

Answer

The number represented by the abacus is 317 536 207 and it is read as three hundred seventeen million five hundred thirty-six thousand two hundred and seven.