The number 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 is called a Septillion.
This immense number can also be expressed in scientific notation as 10^24, indicating 1 followed by 24 zeros. The naming convention for very large numbers follows a predictable pattern, particularly in the short scale system commonly used in the United States and many other parts of the world.
Understanding Big Number Names
The names of large numbers are typically derived from Latin prefixes, with each new name representing a thousandfold increase over the previous one in the short scale system. This means that each increment in the naming convention (e.g., from billion to trillion) signifies a multiplication by 1,000 (or 10^3).
According to the provided reference from Science Joy Wagon's Physics Zone, we can observe this pattern:
Names of Big Numbers Reference Table
| Number | Scientific Notation | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000,000,000,000 | 10^12 | Trillion |
| 1,000,000,000,000,000 | 10^15 | Quadrillion |
| 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 | 10^18 | Quintillion |
| 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 | 10^21 | Sextillion |
(Source: Names of Big Numbers)
Deriving the Name for 10^24
To determine the name for 10^24, we can extend the pattern shown in the table above:
- Sextillion is 10^21.
- The next name in the sequence will be 1,000 times larger than a Sextillion.
- Therefore, the number after Sextillion (10^21) will be 10^21 * 10^3 = 10^(21+3) = 10^24.
The prefix that follows "sexti-" (meaning six) is "septi-" (meaning seven). Thus, the name for 10^24 is Septillion. This continues the systematic progression of prefixes where each subsequent "-illion" term increases the exponent by 3.
Understanding these names helps in comprehending vast quantities encountered in fields such as astronomy, physics, and economics.
