Learn English – What’s the difference between a figure, a number and a digit

numbers

A dictionary says:

Figure: a symbol for a number

Digit: a word, letter, symbol, or figure representing a number.

Number: a mathematical unit used to count or express an amount, quantity.

I don't see a big difference between a figure and a digit. What is it?

Best Answer

You're using a select subset of many definitions for figure, number, and digit.

A digit is a single numeral (0-9), like the digit 5 in the number 5, or the digit 5 in the number 2507.

A number can have one or more digits, like 7 or 2507 or 2,507.38.

A figure can be a shape, a diagram, or a number; if used to describe a number, it can be composed of a single digit or of multiple digits.

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