Grade 1 · Unit 1: Number and place value

Ordinal and cardinal numbers

First, second, third – numbers that show order.

The race

In a race, someone comes first. Then second, then third. These words show position.

How many or which one?

“3 children” tells us how many. 3 is a cardinal number. “The 3rd child” tells us which one. 3rd is an ordinal number.

Writing ordinals

We write 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th … The little letters are the last letters of the word: fir-st, seco-nd, thi-rd. After 3rd, most end in “th”.

Ordinals in the calendar

We use ordinals for dates. Pohela Boishakh is on the 14th of April. Your birthday is on an ordinal day too!

What I learnt

• I know the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers.
• I can use 1st, 2nd, 3rd and more to show position.