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A brief history of numerical systems - Alessandra King

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... and 0. With just these ten symbols, we can write any rational number imaginable. But why these particular symbols? Why ten of them? And why do we arrange them the way we do? Alessandra King gives a brief history of numerical systems.

Some people think that 12 would be a better base than 10 for a numerical system. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different bases, including – but not limited to – 10 and 12.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alessandra King
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Producer Zedem Media
  • Illustrator Jeanne Bornet
  • Animator Maria Savva
  • Sound Designer Andreas Trachonitis
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

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