Why do we put a comma after three digits when using big numbers?

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The discussion centers on the use of commas to group digits in sets of three, a practice that enhances readability. Participants question why this grouping is not done in fours or fives, suggesting that the choice of three may stem from human cognitive abilities, as people can easily recognize small groups of up to four objects without counting. The conversation touches on the nomenclature of large numbers, explaining that a million is defined as a thousand thousands, while larger numbers follow a similar pattern. There is also mention of cultural differences in number grouping, such as the traditional Chinese system, which groups by four. The debate includes perspectives on the practicality of different grouping systems and how familiarity influences readability. Additionally, there are clarifications regarding the British and American definitions of billion and trillion, emphasizing that the British system historically defined a billion as a million million, though modern usage aligns more closely with American definitions. Overall, the thread explores the intersection of numerical representation, cognitive psychology, and cultural practices.
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Office_Shredder said:
It doesn't matter. Whichever came first obviously influenced the other one. They probably evolved at the same time.

Not necessarily. People could have just been writing 1 million as 1000000 and then someone could have come up with the good idea later to put commas in. That guy could have chosen to put a comma in after every 4 digits, but didn't because it didn't look right.
 

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