Ionic Nomenclature is the basis of my question. I am confused on the naming proc

Question

Ionic Nomenclature is the basis of my question.
I am confused on the naming procedure of polyatmoic anions. I get that the, -ate, ending means we have more Oxygen atoms and the ending, -ite, is less. Maybe I'm just tired but my book says,

What dictates when the compounds has more or less Oxygen atoms? Where is the starting point for more or less to determine its naming? Please can someone explain this to me? *Sorry for the stupid question* :)

NO_3 {-} is called nitrate ion SO_4{2-} is called Sulfate ion SO_4{2-} is called Sulfate ion SO_3{2-} is called Sulfate ion

Explanation / Answer

First you have to find the oxidation state of the atom other than oxygen in the ion. Then you can use the following table.:

If central atom is not in Group VII

If central atom is in Group VII

Central atom oxidation number Naming scheme Examples = Group number *-ate Borate (BO33?), Carbonate (CO32?), Nitrate (NO3?), Phosphate (PO43?), Sulfate (SO42?), Chromate (CrO42?), Arsenate(AsO43?) = Group number ? 2 *-ite Nitrite (NO2?), Phosphite (PO33?), Sulfite (SO32?), Arsenite (AsO33?) = Group number ? 4 hypo-*-ite Hypophosphite (PO23?), Hyposulfite (SO22?)

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