Crossword Genius

Assignment requiring a number and place (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

allocation

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'assignment' is the definition.
(I know that allocation is a type of assignment)

'a number and place' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'number' could be 'l' (L is an example) and 'l' is found in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'requiring' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for allocation that I've seen before include "Share" , "Allotment" , "Distribution, assignment" , "Apportionment" , "budget" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app