Googol and number naming scheme (Was: Just for fun)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the naming conventions of large numbers, specifically the terms "googol" and "googolplex," and how they relate to the number of zeros they contain. Participants explore the patterns in naming large numbers and the discrepancies in definitions across different cultures.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why a number with 99 zeros is called a "googol" and suggest that a number with 100 zeros should be referred to as "10 googol," following naming patterns of other large numbers.
  • Others mention that to reach "googolplex" levels, more zeros are required than just 100.
  • One participant emphasizes that the term "googol" is not used in any official capacity, suggesting that its naming is somewhat arbitrary.
  • There is a repeated assertion that large numbers typically follow the pattern of ##10^{3n}##, with n being an integer, which is a basis for the naming of large numbers.
  • Some participants note historical discrepancies in the definitions of large numbers, specifically the differences between American and British usage of terms like "billion" and "trillion," referencing the short scale and long scale systems.
  • A later reply introduces Graham's number as an example of a large number that does not fit the typical naming pattern, highlighting its unique properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the naming conventions of large numbers, with no consensus reached on the appropriateness of the terms "googol" and "googolplex." The discussion reflects ongoing disagreements regarding the definitions and usage of large number names.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical naming conventions and cultural differences in the understanding of large numbers, indicating that these factors may influence the discussion but remain unresolved.

zuz
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How come a 1 followed by 99 zeros isn't called a google and a 1 followed by 100 zeros 10 google?
 
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You have to have more zeros than that to get to the Googleplex level.
 
I know what a googleplex is. What I'm saying is that a 1 followed by 100 zeros should be 10 google, as in 10,000 is ten thousand, 10,000,000 is ten million etc.
 
Why do you think that 1 followed by 99 zeros should be called a google in the first place?
 
You'll have to ask Edward Kasner. The number google googol is not used in any official manner, so it doesn't matter.
 
You are all referring to it as Google but it's in fact Googol.
 
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Borg said:
Why do you think that 1 followed by 99 zeros should be called a google in the first place?
Because most big numbers that have distinct names follow the pattern ##10^{3n}##, with n an integer.
 
Correct. On the integer, and the spelling. Sorry.
 
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DrClaude said:
Because most big numbers that have distinct names follow the pattern ##10^{3n}##, with n an integer.
Missed that. :redface:
 
  • #10
DrClaude said:
Because most big numbers that have distinct names follow the pattern ##10^{3n}##, with n an integer.
In the recent past there has been some disagreement about these "big numbers," with billion meaning "one thousand million" (or ##10^9##) in American usage, but "one million million" (or ##10^{12}##) in British usage. These are called, respectively, short scale and long scale. The same discrepancies were present for trillion, quadrillion, and so on. Since 1974, the long scale versions are used less frequently in the UK, but "billion" still means ##10^{12}## in most other European countries and elsewhere.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billion and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_and_short_scales#Current_usage
 
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  • #11
DrClaude said:
Because most big numbers that have distinct names follow the pattern ##10^{3n}##, with n an integer.

However Graham’s number, a contender for the largest number used in a serious mathematical problem, is a power of 3 and it’s last 5 digits are 95387
 

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