How high can you count on your fingers? (Spoiler: much higher than 10) - James Tanton
TED-Ed・3 minutes read
Most people count up to ten using their fingers, but some cultures can count up to 144 on both hands by dividing fingers into three sections. Exploring different finger states and positional notation systems can allow individuals to count up to 59,048 and beyond, showcasing the flexibility and ingenuity in counting methods.
Insights
- Different cultures have unique finger counting methods, with some enabling counting up to 144 using both hands. By incorporating the binary system, individuals can count up to 1,023 by assigning values to their fingers based on powers of two.
- The positional notation system, akin to binary, expands counting capabilities. Utilizing a base-three system with three finger states, individuals can count up to 59,048, showcasing the potential for high-level counting through flexibility and creativity in finger usage.
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Recent questions
How do people count beyond ten?
People can count beyond ten by utilizing different finger positions, such as dividing fingers into sections or using a binary system to represent powers of two.
What is the significance of the base-three positional system?
The base-three positional system allows individuals to count up to 59,048 by using fingers in three states - down, half bent, and raised, showcasing the potential for counting beyond traditional methods.
How do computers represent numbers?
Computers represent numbers using a base-two system, similar to binary, with on and off switches, enabling them to efficiently perform billions of operations.
What role does flexibility play in counting with fingers?
Flexibility plays a crucial role in counting with fingers, as exploring different finger states can push the limits of counting further, allowing individuals to potentially reach higher numbers based on their dexterity and creativity.
How can individuals count up to 1,023 using fingers?
Individuals can count up to 1,023 by assigning values to their fingers based on the binary system, where each finger represents a power of two, showcasing the versatility of finger counting methods.
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Summary
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"Counting Beyond Ten: Finger-Based Number Systems"
- Most people count up to ten using their ten fingers, with eight fingers and two thumbs. In some cultures, fingers are divided into three sections, allowing them to count up to twelve on one hand and up to 144 by using both hands. By considering the binary system, where each finger represents a power of two, individuals can count up to 1,023 by assigning values to their fingers accordingly.
- The positional notation system, like binary, enables counting beyond traditional methods. By utilizing a base-three positional system with fingers in three states - down, half bent, and raised - individuals can count up to 59,048. Computers operate similarly, using base-two to represent numbers with on and off switches, allowing them to perform billions of operations efficiently.
- Flexibility and ingenuity play a role in how high one can count using fingers. By exploring different finger states, individuals can push the limits of counting even further, with the potential to reach higher numbers based on their dexterity and creativity.
