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Reader questions and feedback on Arithmetic. Also refer to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, mathematics, math, maths, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Arithmetic:
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The following 2 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
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How do you approach zero?
Question
January 8, 2010
Mr. Kurtus:
How do you personally approach the numeral zero? On the real number line, some say that zero is a natural number. Others say that zero does not belong to the natural numbers, but is an integer and the separation point between the positive and negative numbers or integers. Some " experts " define zero in different ways; saying that it depends on the field that you work in. For instance, computer science as opposed to pure mathematics. This may seem a trivial question but we like to believe that, at least in mathematics, we are on solid footing; That math says what it means and means what it says. But as you delve into it, there is always an "on the other hand." Harry Truman used to say about his advisors, give me an economist with only one hand. I'm sure he meant that metaphorically. I'm not really expecting you to spend time getting into this in depth but it seemed an interesting subject to me. As always, thanks for the site.
Aldo - USA
19002
Answer
Zero has puzzled mathematician for ages. In fact, it took a long time before anyone really defined it. And it is true that the definition depends on the field of work. It is an important digit and a starting point for counting, however I never like the way some "experts" emphasize their own definition of things.
For some background on the History of Zero and its meaning, see:
http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/numbers/interest/zero.htm
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/about/zero.jsp
http://www.mediatinker.com/blog/archives/008821.html
Working with binary system
Question
January 20, 2009
respected sir
my question is that suppose i have a weighted code like 2421 now for represent decimal number 2 the binary representation is 0010 but why it can't be 1000? please ans me as soon as possible thanx....
gurjinder - India
17118
Answer
In the binary system of numbers (based on 2), you count: 1, 10, 11, 100 for 1, 2, 3, 4. In other words, 2 is represented as going to the next level as 10.
In the binary system, the digits represent: 1 = 1, 10 = 2, 100 = 4, 1000 = 8, 10000 = 16, and so on.
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