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"Peacenik" <cnelsonpublic@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:en8jj3$cia$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1167543213.802821.253360@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>I was just wondering why people tend to use a base 10 number system. I
>> can't help but wonder if it is due to us having ten fingers. Anyone
>> have any insight into this?
>
> Yes, it's generally accepted that it's because we have ten fingers.
Well, anyway can say that. On any site with any connections to academic
thoroughness I would expect sources to be given.
Otherwise it just ends up with naysaying.
The book that I used when I studied "History of Mathematics" at university
was "Mathematics in Western Culture", Oxford University Press, 1953 (also
Penguin).
I have recently moved house and so I can't lay my hands on it.
Nick
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