I Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode

AI Thread Summary
The Kaktovik numerals, created by Inuit middle school students nearly 30 years ago, represent the first new number system in the Western Hemisphere in over a century. These numerals are designed for rapid visual arithmetic and align with the traditional Inuit oral counting method. Their unique design differs significantly from the decimal system, making them particularly effective for local use. With backing from Silicon Valley, Kaktovik numerals are set to be integrated into digital platforms, enhancing their accessibility. This development marks a significant step in preserving and promoting Inuit culture in the modern digital age.
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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.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/...lchildren-will-make-its-silicon-valley-debut/
 
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Mathematics news on Phys.org
Interesting number system. I was surprised to find that they had a symbol for zero, but read that one of the girls in the class came up with the idea for a symbol from her arms raised above her head.
 

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