Originally posted by Njorl
Most of us have ten fingers and ten toes. There are some exceptions, a relief pitcher for the Cubs has 6 fingers on each hand, and of course, Linda Cone of ESPN has twelve toes.
I suppose we might have developed a base 5 or 20 system, or, if math were restricted to males only a base 21 system.
Njorl
Originally posted by Integral
I think we should abandon metric and go straight to hexadecimal for everything.
Originally posted by brum
i think we would have to make up some new "numbers" (ie the shape and design of their symbols) to replace the A, B, C, D, E, and F we use currently; otherwise, it would become too confusing if A through F was used outside of computer science -- in the general public.
The use of base 10 in mathematics and everyday life can be attributed to the fact that we have 10 fingers, making it easy and intuitive for us to count and manipulate numbers using our hands.
Base 10, also known as the decimal system, is widely used because it allows for easy conversion between different units of measurement. This is because each place value represents a power of 10, making it easy to convert from one unit to another by simply moving the decimal point.
Base 10 differs from other number systems, such as binary or hexadecimal, in that it uses 10 digits (0-9) to represent all numbers. Other number systems use different numbers of digits, making them better suited for certain applications, such as computing or computer programming.
While base 10 is convenient for everyday use, it does have some limitations. For instance, it can be difficult to perform calculations with fractions or numbers that have repeating decimals. Other number systems, such as base 2 or 16, may be better suited for these types of calculations.
Understanding base 10 is essential for building a strong foundation in mathematics. It allows for easy understanding and manipulation of numbers and provides a basis for learning more complex concepts, such as algebra and calculus. Additionally, understanding base 10 can help with everyday tasks, such as budgeting and managing money.