2.1 Calculations with large numbers

The best way to get used to these types of calculations is to go straight into an example.

Example: Calculations with large numbers

Calculate the total population of Malta (0.4 million) and Cyprus (1.2 million).

Method 1

Work in shortened form:

  • 1.2 + 0.4 = 1.6 million

Method 2

Write the numbers in full:

  • 1 200 000 + 400 000 = 1 600 000 (1.6 million)

Activity 7: Calculations with large numbers

  1. Calculate the total turnover for Cambria Trading over the first quarter (3 months).

Table 3 Cambria Trading turnover

Month Profit (£ million)
January 1.2
February 0.9
March 0.85
April 1.1
May 1.02
June 0.87
July 1.19
August 0.98
September 1.05
October 1.08
November 1.8
December 1.65

  1. Calculate the turnover of the last quarter.

  2. Calculate the difference in turnover between the first and last quarters.

    1. Which month had the largest turnover?

    2. Which month had the smallest turnover?

    3. What is the difference between the largest and smallest turnovers?

Answer

  1. Profit in 1st quarter 1.2 + 0.9 + 0.85 = £2.95 million

  2. Profit in last quarter 1.08 + 1.8 + 1.65 = £4.53 million

  3. The difference is 4.53 − 2.95 = £1.58 million

    1. November had the largest turnover at £1.8 million.

    2. March had the smallest at £0.85 million.

    3. The difference is 1.8 − 0.85 = £0.95 million.

Summary

In this section you have learned how to:

  • write large numbers in full and shortened forms

  • round large numbers
  • add and subtract large numbers.

OpenLearn - Introduction and guidance
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