As an expert in the field of numerical systems, I can tell you that the progression of numbers in the English system is based on a factor of a thousand. This means that each new term represents a thousand times the value of the previous term. Let's explore the sequence of large numbers in more detail:

Starting from the smallest, we have:
- Thousand: \(10^3\)
- Million: \(10^6\) (a thousand thousands)
- Billion: \(10^9\) (a thousand millions)
- Trillion: \(10^{12}\) (a thousand billions)

Following the pattern, we continue with:
- Quadrillion: \(10^{15}\) (a thousand trillions)
- Quintillion: \(10^{18}\) (a thousand quadrillions)

Now, to answer your question, what comes after a quintillion is:
- Sextillion: \(10^{21}\) (a thousand quintillions)

Continuing the sequence:
- Septillion: \(10^{24}\) (a thousand sextillions)
- Octillion: \(10^{27}\) (a thousand septillions)
- Nonillion: \(10^{30}\) (a thousand octillions)
- Decillion: \(10^{33}\) (a thousand nonillions)

It's important to note that these terms are part of the short scale system used in the United States and are different from the long scale system used in many other parts of the world, where the progression is based on a factor of a million rather than a thousand. In the long scale system, the sequence would continue with "undecillion," "duodecillion," "tredecillion," and so on.

The use of these large numbers is not just an academic exercise; they are relevant in various fields such as astronomy, economics, and scientific research where extremely large quantities are discussed. For instance, a sexillion could be used to describe the number of stars in the observable universe or the total number of transactions in a global economy over a certain period.

In conclusion, the English numerical system is a fascinating and intricate structure that allows us to conceptualize and communicate extremely large numbers with relative ease. Understanding the sequence and the magnitude of each term is essential for anyone working with large data sets or in fields where such numbers are commonplace.

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After a billion, of course, is trillion. Then comes quadrillion, quintrillion, sextillion, septillion, octillion, nonillion, and decillion.read more >>