Numbers
Numerical Expressions
Decimals
Read decimals by expressing the number before the point, followed by the word 'point' and each individual number.
Example:
The interest rate on his cash advance was 16.99.
The tax base is 3.4%.
Percentages
Read percentages by expressing the percentage followed by the word 'percent'.
Example:
The accrued revenue is only 75% versus last year.
The accrued revenue is overstated by 14%.
Fractions
Read the top fraction followed by the number + 's'
The gross yield is 3/5 of last year's.
Borrowed funds accounted for 2/5 of the down payment on their house.
NOTE: 1/4 =>one quarter, 2/3 => two thirds, 1/2 one half
Number Expressions
These expressions are used with numerical expressions:
Speed -- 100 mph
Weight -- 80 kg
Telephone number -- 0171 895 7056
Decimal -- .087
Date -- 12/04/65
Percentage -- 75%
Temperature -- 28° C
Height -- 1 m 89 cm
Price -- $60
Fraction -- 8/13
Score -- 2-1
Showing Growth or Decline
Useful Verbs
rise
increase
go up by X %.
Example:
The year-end inventory rose from last year's baseline.
My doubts increased about the cancelled check.
decline
decrease
go down
Example:
The opportunities for mutually beneficial growth have declined recently
Confidence declined last month with the increased pressure on intangible assets.
Useful Adverbs
Increase / Decrease
sharply
dramatically.
steadily.
slowly.
rapidly.
haltingly.
Example:
The average stock dividend amount has declined sharply over the last two years.
Short-term debt rose sharply last month.