Learn Java with Math: Using Fun Projects and Games

© Ron Dai 2019

R. DaiLearn Java with Mathhttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-5209-3_2

2. Number Basics

Ron Dai¹ 

(1)

Seattle, WA, USA

 

What Is a Numeral System?

Many different numeral systems exist because there are specific uses where a certain numeral system is more convenient to use and offers advantages over others. For example:

• Weight: 1 pound = 16 ounces

• Length: 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 foot = 12 inches

• Babylonian numeral: Base 60

(from Wikipedia)

• In Ancient China: Ying/Yang – “binary,” Ba Gua – 8 trigrams

(from Wikipedia)

• Decimal counting

  • Ten symbols: 0 – 9

• Binary ...