Definition of Ordinal Numbers
Overview
An ordinal number tells us the position of something in order.
For example, the boy wearing the green shirt is in FIRST place in the race.
The girl in the yellow shirt is in FIFTH place. We can count each person in front of her: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, before we get to the girl in yellow. She comes next in line. She is in FIFTH place.
Let’s look at another example!
The arrow is pointing to the bee that is SECOND in line. We can represent SECOND with the word, or like this: 2nd.
This tells us the bee’s position.
Try another example!
The arrow is pointing to the penguin that is FIFTH in line.
FIFTH can also be written like this: 5th.
There are many different ordinal numbers. Take a look at the picture here to learn about them!
Ordinal numbers can be even larger too! Remember, we can add a “th,” “nd,” “rd,” or “st” to a number to make a number an ordinal number.
13th
55nd
43rd
21st
Let’s practice ordinal numbers!
Practice Question 1
Look at the runners below. Which runner is in third place?
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Practice Question 2
Let’s try another!
Look at the runners below. Which runner is in eighth place?
Practice Question 3
Let’s try another question!
Look at the runners below. Which runner is in fifth place?
Practice Question 4
Look at the picture. What place is the green bear in?
Practice Question 5
Let’s look at one last question!
Which position is the bat in?
Now you’re ready to take a quick quiz on ordinal numbers! Click below!