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Positional system of numbers

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Math for Non-Math Majors

Definition

A positional system of numbers is a numeral system in which the value of a digit is determined by its position within the number. Common examples include the decimal and binary systems.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The decimal system is a base-10 positional system, using digits 0-9.
  2. In binary (base-2), only digits 0 and 1 are used.
  3. Each position in a number represents a power of the base; for example, in base-10, positions represent powers of 10.
  4. Positional systems allow for efficient representation and calculation of large numbers compared to non-positional systems.
  5. The concept of zero as a placeholder is crucial in positional systems.

Review Questions

  • What is the base used in the binary positional system?
  • How does the value of a digit change based on its position in a positional numeral system?
  • Why is zero important in positional number systems?

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