duodecimal

A number system using the powers of 12, which are allotted place values as in the decimal system. The number written in decimals 4092 can be expressed as (2 × 12³) + (4 × 12²) + (5 × 12¹) + (0 × 12⁰) or, in duodecimals, 2450. Fractions are expressed similarly. Two extra symbols are needed for this system to represent the numbers 10 and 11; these are generally accepted as X (dek) and Σ (el) respectively. The advantage of this system can be realized by consideration of the integral factors of 10 and 12: 10 has two (2, 5) while 12 has four (2, 3, 4, 6). The most common examples of everyday use of this system are the setting of 12 inches to the foot, 12 months to the year.

Related category

• TYPES OF NUMBER

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