Or we could use binary
Or we could look at why our ancestors uses 12 as a base?
The reason is Pythagorean. And the fact that our numbering system is based upon counting right angles
If you draw one right angle it represented one in a way anybody could understand. Add another line and you get a zig zag that easily morphed into a 2
Add yet another line and you get a recognisable 3
Four was depicted by a cross.
Eight was an easy two squares one on top of the other.
Nine was the above with a tail added.
The in between numbers varied a bit but the premise was always count the right angles. Hence a zero. Nought has no angles an so = nothing.
But why use base 12?
A ruler had 12 inches - and so made it easy to make a right angled triangle 3”, 4”, and 5”. Total 12”. Make a triangle of those three lengths and you always have a right angle.
So, want to build a wall? Then such a device helps set the floor level and the wall vertical.
History has some interesting facts to teach us
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