Changes

Above the "million," the American system introduces a new name for each new group of ''three'' zeroes. In particular, a "billion" means a thousand millions. In general, if n represents the number corresponding to a [[Latin]] number from which the root of the name derives, then this Latinate name denotes the power 10³ⁿ⁺³. This system is used in the United States and has been for a long time.

Above the "million," the American system introduces a new name for each new group of ''three'' zeroes. In particular, a "billion" means a thousand millions. In general, if n represents the number corresponding to a [[Latin]] number from which the root of the name derives, then this Latinate name denotes the power 10³ⁿ⁺³. This system is used in the United States and has been for a long time.

The European system, also called the "British" system and used in the [[United Kingdom]] (and presumably in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]) until at least 1974,<ref name=Rowlett/> introduces a new name for each group of ''six'' zeroes. If n represents the number corresponding to a [[Latin]]ate root, then in the European system the number name that derives from this root represents the power 10⁶ⁿ. Thus, a billion means a million millions. This used to be British usage, but in 1974, then-Prime Minister [[Harold Wilson]] declared the American system as official for government correspondence.<ref name=Rowlett/>. Newspapers and official government reports now use the same system as the [[United States]], and this system is the one now taught in British schools. Some older Britons remain attached to the older usage.

The European system, also called the "British" system and used in the [[United Kingdom]] (and presumably in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]) until at least 1974,<ref name=Rowlett/> introduces a new name for each group of ''six'' zeroes. If n represents the number corresponding to a [[Latin]]ate root, then in the European system the number name that derives from this root represents the power 10⁶ⁿ. Thus, a billion means a million millions. This used to be British usage, but in 1974, then-Prime Minister [[Harold Wilson]] declared the American system as official for government correspondence.<ref name=Rowlett/> Newspapers and official government reports now use the same system as the [[United States]], and this system is the one now taught in British schools. Some older Britons remain attached to the older usage.

This system in which the word ''billion'' means 1,000,000,000,000, though not used England, is used in many European countries.

This system in which the word ''billion'' means 1,000,000,000,000, though not used England, is used in many European countries.