Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are the numbers that talk about the position of objects. For example, "The cookies are kept in the 3^rd drawer from the top", "The orange dress is the 7^th one from the right", "The soccer ball is kept in the 3^rd carton from the left".  All these sentences have one thing in common - they talk about the positions of the objects. This is the main element in the discussion of ordinal numbers. 

An ordinal number is a number that indicates the position or order of something in relation to other numbers, like, first, second, third, and so on. This order or sequence may be according to the size, importance, or any chronology. Let us understand the ordinal numbers with an example. Ten students participated in a contest. Out of them, the top winners were given medals and were ranked as 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd. In this case, the positions: 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd are known to be the ordinal numbers we are talking about. 

A cardinal number is a number that denotes the count of any object. Any natural number such as 1, 2, 3, etc., is referred to as a cardinal number, whereas, an ordinal number is a number that denotes the position or place of an object. For example, 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, etc. Now, if we say, "There are 3 ants and 5 bears". This is an example of cardinal numbers. However, if we say, "The position of the runners in the running event is first, second, third, and so on", this represents ordinal numbers. Observe the table given below to note the difference between cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers.

The list of ordinal numbers from 1 to 100 can be learned easily and is quite helpful for specifying the order of any given object. You can use the combinations from this list to find out the ordinal numbers from 100 onwards. Have a look at the table given below in order to understand how ordinal numbers are written. You might be able to pick up a pattern after referring to the first twenty ordinal numbers. 

Is Zero an Ordinal Number?

Yes, zero can be represented as an ordinal number. For zero, the position is represented as 0^th or zeroth.

How Do You Write Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers have a suffix added at the end. They can be written as first, second, third, and so on when expressed in words. When ordinal numbers are expressed as numerals, the last two letters of the words are added to the respective numbers, like, 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and so on.

Where Are Ordinal Numbers Used?

We use ordinal numbers for specifying the position or order of something. For example, the pens are kept in the 3^rd drawer from the top, or, Ria stays on the second floor of the apartment. Here, the respective numbers specify the position or order of the object or people, whatever the case may be.

What Is an Ordinal Number in Math?

An ordinal number is a number that indicates the position or order of something in relation to other numbers. For example, Tom was the first one to submit his work, or, the cups are kept on the second shelf. Here, 'first' and 'second' are ordinal numbers that can also be written in the numeral form, like, 1^st or 2^nd.

What Are Ordinal Numbers From 1 to 10?

The ordinal numbers from 1 to 10 are as follows: 1st: First, 2nd: Second, 3rd: Third, 4th: Fourth, 5th: Fifth, 6th: Sixth, 7th: Seventh, 8th: Eighth, 9th: Ninth, and 10th: Tenth. 

What Is the Ordinal of 1?

The ordinal of 1 is written as First. In the numeral form, it is represented as 1^st.