When it comes to expressing numbers, there is often confusion about whether to use spaces or not. In the case of writing 100 million, should we write it as 100 MM or 100MM? The correct way to express this amount is 100MM, without any space. Let me explain why.
In English, it is generally recommended to use a space to separate numerals from abbreviations, symbols, or units of measurement. For instance, we write “5 cm” or “20 kg” with a space to clearly show the separation between the number and the unit. However, when dealing with abbreviations for large numbers, such as million or billion, it is accepted practice to omit the space.
By omitting the space in expressions like 100MM, we are following a convention that has been widely adopted in business contexts, particularly in finance and accounting. This convention is based on brevity and simplicity, as it allows for a more efficient presentation of numbers in tables, charts, and reports.
To better understand the reasoning behind this practice, let’s consider some examples. Imagine you are reading a financial report and come across the statement “Company XYZ generated $100MM in revenue last year.” The absence of a space between “100” and “MM” allows for a quick and clear identification of the number, making it easier to scan and comprehend the information.
On the other hand, if the space were included, as in “Company XYZ generated $100 MM in revenue last year,” the number might not stand out as effectively, potentially causing readers to pause or needing to mentally process the units separately. This could lead to confusion or slower comprehension of the information.
Using conventional symbols like “MM” without a space has become a common practice in the business world, and it is particularly useful in financial contexts. Similar practices can be observed in other fields, such as engineering, where abbreviations like “km” (kilometer) or “mt” (metric ton) are used without spaces to represent measurements.
Moreover, omitting the space in abbreviations for large numbers is not limited to English. Many other languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and German, also follow this convention. For example, French uses “M” for million, and it is written without a space: “100M.”
In conclusion, the correct way to express the number 100 million is 100MM, without any space. This practice aligns with a convention widely adopted in business and financial contexts, ensuring brevity and simplicity. By omitting the space, we facilitate the quick and accurate comprehension of numbers, improving the overall readability of documents and reports. So, if you come across the expression 100MM, rest assured that it is the correct and accepted way to represent 100 million.