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- TL;DR Summary
- The “Kaktovik numerals" is a base 5, 10, 20 number system, and it improved the kids mathematical understanding and computational speed.
In the remote Arctic almost 30 years ago, a group of Inuit middle school students and their teacher invented the Western Hemisphere’s first new number system in more than a century. The “Kaktovik numerals,” named after the Alaskan village where they were created, looked utterly different from decimal system numerals and functioned differently, too. But they were uniquely suited for quick, visual arithmetic using the traditional Inuit oral counting system, and they swiftly spread throughout the region. Now, with support from Silicon Valley, they will soon be available on smartphones and computers—creating a bridge for the Kaktovik numerals to cross into the digital realm.
The "Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode" is a new mathematical system developed by Inuit school children in Canada. It is a unique way of representing numbers using symbols and words that are culturally relevant to the Inuit community.
The "Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode" was created to provide a more culturally inclusive and relevant way of teaching and understanding mathematics for Inuit students. It also aims to preserve and promote Inuit culture and language.
The "Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode" uses a combination of symbols and words to represent numbers. The symbols are based on traditional Inuit designs and the words are from the Inuit language. For example, the number 5 is represented by the symbol for a hand and the word "tallimat" which means "five" in Inuktitut.
Using the "Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode" can help Inuit students better understand and relate to mathematical concepts. It can also promote cultural pride and identity among Inuit students. Additionally, it can help bridge the gap between traditional Inuit knowledge and Western education.
Currently, the "Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode" is mainly used in Inuit schools in Canada. However, it has gained attention and interest from educators and researchers around the world. It has the potential to be implemented in other Indigenous communities and contribute to the diversity of mathematical systems.