International Number System

Numbers are represented using the international number system, which divides them into groups or periods. These periods help us read and interpret large numbers accurately. Unlike the Indian Number System, the international number system uses commas for demarcation between digits. The international number system uses the following periods: ones, thousands, millions, etc. These periods are further subdivided into groups. To learn about the international number system’s period system, refer to the table below. 

As mentioned earlier, the international number system is organized into periods such as ones, thousands, millions, and billions. Each period is divided into groups based on place value. Here is how each period is structured.

One's period: This period includes three place values: ones, tens, and hundreds. So, the first three digits of a number belong to this period.

Thousands period: This period includes thousands, ten-thousands, and hundred-thousands. The three digits that come after the decimal point fall under this group.

Millions period: This period consists of million, ten million, and hundred million. The next three digits after the thousands period are placed here.

Billions period: This period includes billion, ten-billion, and hundred-billion. The next group of three digits after the millions period belongs to this section.

In mathematics, an international place value chart is a table that calculates the value of each digit in a number according to its location using the international number system. The place value of a digit is determined by its position within the number. The place value of a digit is the position of a number.

The place value chart helps in finding the place values and matches each digit to its corresponding position in a number. It is very useful for reading, writing, and understanding large numbers. In order to prevent confusion when reading very large figures, we divide them into groups using a comma.
 

The positioning of the separators (commas) is crucial in the international number system. These separators are based on the periods of any integer and its place values. The fundamental guideline for the international number system is as follows:

• There is no pluralization of the periods when writing numbers in words. For instance, four hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred seventy-six is always written as 456,876. The ‘s’ is not added to the words thousand or hundred. 
  
   
• The word 'and' is never used before tens and ones. For example, 3,535 is always read as three thousand five hundred thirty-five. We do not read it as three thousand and five hundred thirty-five.
  
   
• In expanded form, numbers are written as the sum of place values. For example, 3,535 is written in expanded form as 3000 + 500 + 30 + 5. We do not write it as three thousand, five hundred, thirty-five.
   

The table below shows the key differences between the Indian numeral system and the International numeral system.

Learning the international number system becomes simple if you follow the easy tips and tricks given below. 

• Group digits in threes, starting from the right. This helps to identify ones, thousands, millions and hundreds easily. 
   
• Remember the sequence: Ones, thousands, millions, billions. Repeat this while writing or reading numbers. 
   
• Practice with numbers in the real life, like in newspapers, charts, or currency notes. 
   
• Compare the same number with the Indian system. For instance, 10,00,000 in Indian system will be 1,000,000 in the international number system. 
   
• While reading big numbers, say them out loud. It helps you to memorize the pattern and spot grouping errors easily. 
   
• Parents can help by grouping digits in threes using real-life numbers like bills, prices, or news articles.
   
• Teachers should give regular reading and writing exercises in the international number format to reinforce digit grouping.
   
• Children can repeat the order of ones, thousands, millions, and billions until it becomes natural.

The international number system is widely used in real life for various purposes. Here are some examples:

• Global Trade and economy: Countries use the system to express large amounts of money, such as national budgets, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and international trade values (e.g., $1,500,000 = 1.5 million dollars). 
  
   
• Population counting: World population statistics follow the international number system. For example, the world’s population is approximately 8,100,000,000 (8.1 billion people).
  
   
• Science and astronomy: NASA uses the system to measure large distances, such as the distance between Earth and Mars (about 225,000,000 km).
  
   
• Business and economics: Businesses use the international system for global communication. When companies report profits or losses, they use terms like $3 million or $5 billion, which is universally understood. 
  
   
• Data representation: In computer science and technology, data storage or internet statistics are often shown in large numbers which follows international system like 1,000,000 bytes (1 MB).