2885
logical (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 years ago by [M] to c/nathanwpyle@lemmy.world
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[+] -6 points 3 years ago (3 children)

Mostly because it's very easy to make calculation on base 10. If i ask you to tell me how many millimeters are in 5.7 meters you could probably reply easily without a calculator. You probably wouldn't do it as easily if it wasn't base 10

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  • [–] 14 points 3 years ago*

    We define 1000 mm as one meter as we are base 10 centric. If we live in a base 8 world, we would have define 8x8x8 mm as one metre and the answer to 5.7 m base 8 would be 5700mm base 8 too

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  • [–] 12 points 3 years ago* (1 child)

    It's not fundamentally easier to do calculations in base 10. It's only easier for us because that's what we learn as children.

    If our number system was based on a superior base, like dozenal or senary, we would be able to do calculations on that base easily and would find working in tens awkward.

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  • [+] -9 points 3 years ago* (2 children)

    I disagree. Base 10 is innately more intuitive because you move a decimal to shift between orders of magnitude.

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