Sir, – Peter Lynch invites readers to devise a number-naming system that is "lucid, unambiguous and aesthetically pleasing and that will rid us of the dog's dinner that is a centibillion" ("Better names needed for large numbers", That's Maths, September 3rd).
I propose a simple “Power X” where the incorrectly named centibillion would be called Power 11, a billion would be Power Nine and a million would be Power Six. The word “power” denotes “ten to the power of” and the number represents the number of zeros following a one. The system is also applicable to small numbers. If you only have a euro to your name, then you’re a Power Zero.
The use of the word “power” also alludes to the power of the wealthy when the quantity represents money. – Yours, etc,
JOE DUNNE,
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Shanakiel, Cork.