We've discussed this topic some time back, but now I'm wondering:

If cardinal numbers are 1, 2, 3, are they also one, two, and three?

If ordinal numbers are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, are they also first, second, and third?

I realize that technically one should refer to 1, 2, and 3 as numerals, Arabic numerals to be precise, but MW does refer to them also as cardinal numbers. I'm just making sure that it would be okay to refer to one, two, and three, also, as cardinal numbers. I detest math, but I've got to make sure I'm referring in writing to these numbers correctly in a general sense and not so much in the sense a mathematician thinks of them. MW didn't provide a clue.

Edit: Actually, MW makes it more confusing. I just rechecked there and MW refers to 1, 2, and 3 as cardinals and first, second, third as ordinals. I suppose therein lies my answer: both numerals and spelled-out numbers work as cardinals and ordinals...unless someone sets me straight.

If not, this could be a thread of one post.