I.

Introduction

Number Systems, in mathematics, various notational systems that have been or are being used to represent the abstract quantities called numbers. A number system is defined by the base it uses, the base being the number of different symbols, or numerals, required by the system to represent any of the infinite series of numbers. Thus, the decimal system in universal use today (except for computer application) requires ten different symbols, or digits, to represent numbers and is therefore a base-10 system.

Throughout history many different number systems have been used; in fact, any whole number greater than 1 can be used as a base. Some cultures have used systems based on the numbers 3, 4, or 5. The Babylonians used the sexagesimal system, based on the number 60, and the Romans used (for some purposes) the duodecimal system, based on the number 12. The Maya used the vigesimal system, based on the number 20. The binary system, based on the number 2, was used by some tribes and, together with the system based on 16, is used today in computer systems.