atw: Writing numbers in text [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Most usage guides have rules about when to write out numbers as words 
(one, two, three, ...) and when to use numerals (1, 2, 3, ...). However, 
from time to time I come across passages written like this (from a 
document I've just been reading): 

        This solution has been designed to support up to five (5) users, 
and three (3) of these systems are being procured. 

I've seen this often enough to think there must be some rationale for 
doing it this way, but I can't imagine what it is. It looks almost as if 
the writer wonders whether readers mightn't understand the 'written-out' 
forms. 

Anyone know the source of this style of writing? Is there a good reason 
for it that I'm missing?

Howard


Howard Silcock
Technical Writer
Zare Pty Ltd
Ph  02 6261 2073
Fax 02 6112 2073

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