Additive system of numbers
Definition
An additive system of numbers is a numeration system where the value of a number is the sum of the values of its symbols. Each symbol typically represents a fixed quantity and can be repeated to represent larger quantities.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The Roman numeral system is an example of an additive system.
- In additive systems, order of symbols does not always affect their total value.
- Symbols in additive systems can be combined to form new values by simple addition.
- Egyptian hieroglyphics used an additive numeration system for counting and recording quantities.
- Additive systems are usually contrasted with positional systems, where the position of a digit affects its value.
Review Questions
- What ancient civilization's numeral system is an example of an additive system?
- How do you determine the value of a number in an additive numeration system?
- What is one key difference between additive and positional number systems?
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Related terms
Positional System: A numeration system where the position of each digit affects its value.
Roman Numerals: An ancient numeral system using letters from the Latin alphabet as symbols to represent values.
Egyptian Numerals: An ancient numeral system using hieroglyphs to represent units, tens, hundreds, etc., in an additive fashion.
