NUMBERS AND NUMBER SYSTEMS (P. SIVADAS MASTER)

NUMBERS AND NUMBER SYSTEMS

(P. SIVADAS MASTER)

1.1    NUMBER

         A Number is a symbol or sign representing a unit which forms part of the system of counting and calculating.

1.2    Uses of Numbers

·         To count

·         To calculate

·         To express rank or order or position number

·         T0 express a quantity

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1.3    NUMBER SYSTEMS

Number systems play an important role in human life, science and technology. Number systems are basically classified into two groups. They are:

·         Non - Positional Number Systems

·          Positional Number Systems

1.4.1  Non - Positional Number Systems

1.4.2     In ancient times human beings counted on fingers. They counted up to 10.  When fingers are not adequate to count more, they used stones, pebbles, sticks, etc to indicate values.  This type of counting uses non - positional number systems.