COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Elements of Technical Writing
2005-2006

  • How to write numbers, units of measure, equations, and symbols: (from Elements of Technical Writing by Blake and Bly)
    1. Rule 1: Write out all numbers below 10
    2. Rule 2: When two or more numbers are presented in the same section of writing, write them as numerals
    3. Rule 3: Write large numbers in the form most familiar to your audience and easiest to understand
    4. Rule 4: Place a hyphen between a number and unit of measure when they modify a noun
    5. Rule 5: Use the singular when fractions and decimals of one or less are used as adjectives
    6. Rule 6: Write decimals and fractions as numerals, not words
    7. Rule 7: Treat decimal representations consistently, especially when presenting them in columns, rows, or groups
    8. Rule 8: Do not inflate the accuracy by writing decimals with too many digits
    9. Rule 9: If a number is an approximation, write it out.
    10. Rule 10: Spell out one of two numbers - usually the shorter - that appear consecutively in a phrase
    11. Rule 11: Do not begin a sentence with numerals