Ever Heard of Strange Number Systems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the peculiarities of historical number systems, particularly highlighting the T'lingut people's base-4 and base-8 counting method, which contrasts with the more common base-10 system. Participants note the inefficiencies of Roman Numerals, which require extensive symbols for simple numbers, and compare them to the more efficient Hindu numeral system that forms the basis of modern decimal counting. The conversation also touches on the persistence of conventions in measurement systems, suggesting that cultural practices heavily influence numerical representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of base number systems, including base-4 and base-10.
  • Familiarity with historical numeral systems, specifically Roman and Hindu numerals.
  • Knowledge of cultural influences on mathematics and measurement systems.
  • Awareness of the T'lingut culture and their unique counting method.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the T'lingut people's counting system and its implications for mathematics.
  • Explore the efficiency of various numeral systems, including base-20 and tally systems.
  • Investigate the historical context of Roman Numerals and their impact on mathematics.
  • Study the evolution of the Hindu numeral system and its adoption in modern mathematics.
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Historians, mathematicians, educators, and anyone interested in the cultural aspects of numerical systems and their evolution over time.

quddusaliquddus
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There have been strange number systems used in the past in different parts of the world ... do you know any? :biggrin:
 
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I've mentioned this before: The T'lingut people of coastal Washington State, United States and British Columbia, Canada, counted on the spaces between their fingers rather than on their fingers and so had a number system based on 4 and 8 rather than 5 and 10.
 
Lol...that bold[is] strange
 
lol, but I would imagine a lot easier to work with computers if they had ever made it to the computer age.
 
Must say I would like to have that system instead...to me it looks more beautiful!
 
For a long time, number systems were "baseless". Look at Roman Numerals for instance - it takes cartloads of numerals to write a 4 or 5 digit (decimal) number.

Now isn't that strange ?
 
Lol...Gokul...ur right
 
Gokul43201 said:
For a long time, number systems were "baseless". Look at Roman Numerals for instance - it takes cartloads of numerals to write a 4 or 5 digit (decimal) number.

Now isn't that strange ?
I don't know about that. The Romans had an awkward number system, but most civilizations before, during, and after them I would assume, had decent number systems. The Hindu system of numbers upon which our current decimal system is based existed either before or during the time of the Romans. Also, I don't think number systems, except for the Romans (all I can think of) were baseless. The first number systems were a base 1 system -- tallying.
 
I'm surprised about the Romans - not that i didn't know about their system - but that they could do so much and then have a crappy number system. I'm sure they had extensive contact with other civilisations esp. the Hindu one. Does any1 know y they decided to stik to their number?>
 
  • #10
they mayans had a base 20 number system
 
  • #11
quddusaliquddus said:
Does any1 know y they decided to stik to their number?>
Conventions die hard. Consider the imperial system of measurements.

- Warren
 
  • #12
Guess the Romans were too busy hacking up people in circuses or having neverending orgies.
 

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