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5.05 Adjectival expressions and juxtaposed numbers

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Normally, for numbers used in adjectival expressions, follow the rule given in 5.01 Introduction, i.e. write out those from one to nine and use numerals for the rest:

  • seven-hour day
  • two-metre-wide entrance
  • a 10-year-old boy

If the unit is represented by an abbreviation or symbol, use numerals (see 1.23 The International System of Units (SI)):

  • a 2.36 m high jump
  • three 5-L containers

or

  • three 5 L containers

Do not use a hyphen between a numeral and a non-letter symbol:

  • a 90° angle
  • four 100 °C thermometers

When a number immediately precedes a compound modifier containing another number, spell out the first or the smaller number:

  • ten 34-cent stamps
  • 15 one-litre jugs
  • two 10-room houses
  • 120 eight-page reports