Number System

A number system can be characterised as a method of expressing numbers through writing. It is the mathematical language for consistently describing the numbers in a particular set using digits or other symbols. It uniquely represents each number and the figures’ arithmetic and algebraic structure. Additionally, it enables us to do basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, and division.

The number system, sometimes referred to as the numeral system, is a method for identifying and expressing numbers. As we all know, a number is a mathematical value that enables us to count or measure items and execute numerous mathematical operations. We shall explain what a number system is, the Indian number system, and the worldwide number system in this post.

What is a number? 

A number is a mathematical value that is used to count, measure, and name items. Arithmetic computations are conducted using numbers. Whole numbers, natural numbers, rational numbers as well as irrational numbers are all examples of numbers. Additionally, 0 is a number that denotes a null value.

Numerous more variants of a number exist, including odd numbers, even numbers, composite numbers and prime numbers. Even and odd words indicate whether a particular number is divisible by two or not, and prime and composite terms indicate if a number has two or more elements.

These numbers are referred to as digits in a number system. The most often used digits in the number system are 0 and 1, which are used to denote binary numbers. Several number systems also employ 0 to 9 digits. 

Indian Number System

The Indian numeral system (or system of numeration) is a kind of writing that was adopted for the purpose of conveying numbers in India. It is a mathematical notation for consistently describing numbers in a particular set using digits or other symbols. This number system is composed of the usual numbers we see in the International System: 0 to 9. 

Long before numbers were established, each thing being tallied was marked uniquely. This was a convoluted scheme for the representation of huge numbers. It was recognised that a standardised way of counting was required. This is how the numerical system evolved. Numerous distinct number systems were utilised in various nations and time periods. India’s system became known as the Indian number system.

The Indian system employs numerals to express numbers using a series of symbols. This system is distinguishable from other numeric systems by the nomenclature used to describe the various place values. When we count in India, we use thousands, lakhs, tens of lakhs, crores, and tens of crores. Here is a table showing the Indian number system:

Separators

Separators (commas) are used after each period in the Indian numeral system when expressing a number in its conventional numeric form. For instance, the number 1987654321 can be more accurately written as 1,98,76,54,321 in the traditional Indian numeral system format, which has separators after each period.

International Number System

The international number system is a notation for numbers that divides them into groups or periods. These groupings or periods aid us incorrectly interpreting huge numbers. The international numbering system uses comparable groups or periods but places commas differently. The international numeric system uses the following periods: Ones, Thousands, Millions, and so on.

The worldwide numbering system is separated into units known as ones, thousands, and millions. Each of these eras is further subdivided into groups based on a number’s place values. Let’s look at the international number system:

Conclusion

The primary distinction between the Indian and International numeric systems is where the commas are placed (separator). In the Indian system, we write lakhs after thousands but write millions written after thousands in the international system. Returning to the Indian numeral system, the digits’ place values are as follows: ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, lakhs, crores, and so on. Whereas, the international system assigns place values to digits in the order of Ones, Tens, Hundreds, Millions, and billions.