in place value systems-eg: 2,43,500 - is it 2 lakh or 2 lakhs 43 thousand/thousands???? Are both acceptable?
In the place value system, the number 2,43,500 is typically read as "two lakh forty-three thousand five hundred" in India. Let me explain how to determine the correct way to read this number.
In India, the place value system is based on powers of ten. The period between the thousands and lakhs is divided into two groups of digits - thousands and hundreds. Each group has three digits, except for the last group, which can have one or two digits.
For example, in the number 2,43,500:
- The rightmost three digits (500) represent the hundreds.
- The next three digits (43,000) represent the thousands.
- The leftmost single digit (2) represents the lakhs.
So, the number 2,43,500 can be read as "two lakh forty-three thousand five hundred." The use of the singular form "lakh" is common in India. However, it is worth mentioning that the plural form "lakhs" is also used in some regions or contexts.
Therefore, both "two lakh forty-three thousand five hundred" and "two lakhs forty-three thousand five hundred" are acceptable. The choice between singular and plural depends on the local convention or personal preference.