The Greek and Latin Roots of Numbers

English numbers are borrowed from Arabic. However, many words that refer to numbers have Latin and Greek roots.

	LATIN	GREEK
1/2	demi-	hemi-
1	un(i)- /ordinal: prim-	hen- prim- /ordinal: prot(o)
2	duo / ordinal secund- / twice/double: bi	dy-
3	tri-	tri-
4	quadr(i/u)-	tetr(a)-
5	quinqu(e)-	pent(a)-
6	sex-	hex(a)-
7	septem-	hept(a)-
8	octo-	oct(a/o)-
9	novem-	enne(a)-
10	decem-	dec(a)-
100	cent(i)-	hecaton
1000	mill(i)-	chili(o)

Examples of Latin and Greek roots in common English words:

Try to answer the following questions, based on the chart above. As you go, notice the Latin or Greek root, as well as what it is combined with.

1.) Susan just had quintuplets! How many babies did she give birth to?
2.) Ped means ‘having a foot’. What are bipeds?
3.) How many sides does a heptagon have?
4.) Sing that again, an octave higher. How many degrees will you add to the current tone?
5.) How many times a year does an annual event occur?
6.) How many points does a trident have?
7.) How many times a year does Frank file quarterly reports?
8.) How many days does the Novena go on for?
9.) How many years are in a decade?
10.) How many musicians are in a sextet?