Reading and writing numbers

Reading and writing numbers is like learning a new language. Let's start with small numbers.

Reading Small Numbers

• One-digit numbers: These are easy! 1 is one, 2 is two, and so on.

• Two-digit numbers: We read these by saying the tens digit first, then the ones digit. For example, 23 is "twenty-three."

• Three-digit numbers: These are similar to two-digit numbers, but we add "hundred" after the hundreds digit. For example, 345 is "three hundred forty-five."   

Writing Small Numbers

• One-digit numbers: We just write the digit. For example, one is written as 1.

• Two-digit numbers: We write the tens digit first, then the ones digit. For example, twenty-three is written as 23.   

• Three-digit numbers: We write the hundreds digit first, then the tens digit, then the ones digit. For example, three hundred forty-five is written as 345.   

Reading and Writing Larger Numbers

Larger numbers have more digits, and we group them into sets of three. Each set of three is called a period.

• Thousands period: The first set of three digits to the left of the ones period is the thousands period. For example, in the number 3,456, the 3 is in the thousands period.

• Millions period: The next set of three digits to the left is the millions period. For example, in the number 12,345,678, the 12 is in the millions period.

Let's try an example:

• Reading: 3,456,789 is read as "three million, four hundred fifty-six thousand, seven hundred eighty-nine."

• Writing: To write "two million, five hundred thirty-two thousand, one hundred forty-seven," we would write 2,532,147.

Practice Tips

• Practice reading and writing numbers out loud.

• Use number lines to help you visualize the order of numbers.

• Play games with friends and family to practice your number skills.

With practice, you'll become a number reading and writing expert!