103 LearnersLast updated on July 4th, 2025
International Number System
Many nations use the international number system to represent numbers. The number system was evolved to simplify counting and representing large numbers. There are two types of numeral systems: the International Number System and the Indian Number System. The international numeric system is widely used, while India uses the Indian number system. To have a better understanding of the international number system, let’s study more about it and work through some examples.
What is the International Number System?
Numbers are represented using the international number system, which divides them into groups or periods. These periods or groups aid us in accurately reading large numbers. 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.
What are the Periods in the International Place Value Chart?
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 number determines the value of each digit according to its position. 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.
Finding Place Values Using International Place Value Chart
- Ones Period: This is the first period consisting of ones, tens, and hundreds place.
- Thousands Period: This is the second period consisting of thousands, ten thousands, and a hundred thousands.
- Millions Period: This period consists of millions, ten millions, and a hundred millions.
What are the Rules of the International Number System?
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, 3535 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, 3535 is always written as three thousand five hundred thirty-five. We do not write it as three thousand, five hundred, thirty-five.
Real-life Application of International Number System
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).
Common Mistakes of the International Number System and How to Avoid Them
The international number system is used worldwide to read, write, and compare large numbers. However, many people make common mistakes while using it, which can lead to confusion. Here are five mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Confusing Place Values
Getting confused with place values like millions, billions, and trillions. Practice reading and writing numbers with a place value chart.
Mistake 2
Using the Wrong Comma Placement
Placing commas incorrectly (e.g., 1,00,000 instead of 1,000,000). Remember that in the international system, commas are placed after every three digits (e.g., 1,234,567).
Mistake 3
Misreading Large Numbers
Mistaking “1 million” as “10 million” due to miscounting zeros. Before you read the number, make sure that the digits are grouped in a set of three from right to left.
Mistake 4
Mixing it with the Indian Number System
Saying “1 lakh” instead of “100,000” or “10 crore” instead of “100 million”. Learn the equivalents (e.g., 1 lakh = 100,000, 1 crore = 10 million).
Mistake 5
Writing Decimal Points Incorrectly
Using a comma instead of a decimal (e.g., 12,5 instead of 12.5 in some countries). Always use a dot (.) for decimals in the international system.
Solved Examples for the International Number System
Problem 1
Write 4,789,123 in words.
Four million, seven hundred eighty-nine thousand, one hundred twenty-three.
Explanation
In the international system, commas are placed after every three digits from the right, grouping numbers into millions, thousands, and ones.
Problem 2
What is the place value of 6 in 5,692,314?
600,000 (six hundred thousand).
Explanation
The 6 is in the hundred-thousands place, so its value is 6 100,000 = 600,000.
Problem 3
Write “Seventy-six million, eight hundred forty-two thousand, nine hundred five” in numerals.
76,842,905
Explanation
Break it into parts: 76 million (76,000,000), 842 thousand (842,000), and 905 (905), then combine them.
Problem 4
Write 9,205,481 in expanded form.
9,000,000 + 200,000 + 5,000 + 400 + 80 + 1
Explanation
Break the number into its place values and write each as an additional term.
Problem 5
Convert 45,67,89,123 (Indian system) to the international system.
45,67,89,123 456,789,123
Explanation
The Indian system places commas differently (lakh/crore), so rewrite it as 456,789,123 using millions and thousands.
FAQs Related to the International Number System
1.What is the International Number System?
2.How are commas placed in the International Number System?
3.How is the International Number System different from the Indian Number System?
4.How do you write 50 lakh in the International Number System?
5.What is the place value system in the International Number System?
6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand International Number System?
7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice International Number System with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and International Number System play in helping children in United States develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in United States create number-rich environments to improve International Number System skills?
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
