Figures are symbols used to represent a number.
The symbol that allows the representation of a number is called a figure . The concept derives from low Latin, although it has its etymological origin in classical Arabic.
The notion can specifically refer to the sign that makes it possible to write a digit number (that is, one that is expressed with a single digit). 1 , 5 , 8 and 9 , for example, are figures.
Figures in different numbering systems
According to the numbering system based on Arabic numbers , there are ten figures or digits that allow, from infinite combinations, to represent all the numbers. These are the numbers that go from 0 to 9 . In this way, if someone wants to write the number 19 , they must write the symbol 1 followed by the symbol 9 ( 19 ).
In the Roman numeral system, however, the signs used to represent the figures are letters: I , X , C , M , etc. Following the writing rules of this system, the number 11 , to cite one case, must be written XI .
The figures are used daily in street addresses.
Common uses
The figures can also be used to identify various issues. The streets usually have a name accompanied by a number that indicates an exact address: Avenida San Bartolomé 542 , Calle del Sol 41 , Pasaje de los Sueños 1532 , etc.
Telephone numbers , on the other hand, are also written with figures: 45-8813 , 369-8514 , 4588-2931 .
Figures in colloquial language
In colloquial language , the idea of a figure is usually used to refer to a certain amount of money : “The actor asked for a very high amount to join the filming of the movie,” “I am interested in buying that house, but we have not yet talked about it.” figures” , “I will sell my car only if they offer me a figure that is interesting to me” .
It is also possible to use this term to refer to other numbers, beyond money. For example, if a book has sold many copies we can say that "the numbers are promising"; As shown in the previous paragraph, there is also an economic nuance, although it mainly points to the success of the launch rather than the perceived economic compensation.
In a similar way we can talk about figures to emphasize the number of any situation that involves large quantities of objects or living beings. It is important to note that when this word is used, the number to which it refers is usually located at one of the two extremes : it either represents success or failure for the protagonists.
One of the cases in which it can be used to refer to unfortunate numbers is an accident in which a large number of victims have been reported, where it can be said that "the figures are heartbreaking", for example. In short, although the same thing could be expressed more directly ("the number of deaths"), avoiding the most descriptive words generates a very particular effect , since despite the omission they become more present in the mind of the receiver.
In everyday life we could not organize ourselves if it were not for the presence of numbers; Whether it is to identify buildings along the streets, to indicate the maximum speed allowed on a certain road, the maximum load capacity of an elevator or the customer service hours of a company, we are all exposed to numerical figures. every day, in almost all areas.
a fictional character
As a proper name, we can find it in the acclaimed movie Matrix , where Cifra is a character who belongs to the band of rebels.
Regarding his history and motivations, he can't stand the real world and is tired of living in underground caves, feeding on synthesized products. This leads him to make the decision to betray his companions to access a life that is more in line with his desires and expectations.