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Number names
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Different cultures have different traditional numeral systems used for writing numbers and for naming large numbers.
Although a majority of traditional number systems are based on the decimal numeral system, there are many regional variations even within decimal, including:
- Western system: based on thousands, with variants (see English-language numerals)
- Indian system: crore, lakh (see Indian numbering system. Indian numerals)
- East Asian system: based on ten-thousands (see below)
Duodecimal numbers have only been used consistently in a few cases. One example of duodecimal numerals is in use in the Chepang language of Nepal. However, their influence can still be seen in many cultures, such as in the imperial system of units, and the former British system of pounds, shillings and pence.
Vigesimal numbers are found in Mesoamerican indigenous languages (Nahuatl, Mayan languages). They are also found to some extent in some European languages (Basque, Celtic languages, French, Danish). English has a remnant of vigesimal numeration in the word score (famously used in the opening of the Gettysburg Address).
Quinary is found in Inuit languages.
In many Asian languages, the great redundancy of English number words is avoided.[citation needed]
For very large (and very small) numbers, traditional systems have been superseded by the use of scientific notation and the system of SI prefixes. Traditional systems continue to be used in everyday life.