In the text, we discussed four numbers systems: decimal (base 10), binary (base 2), octal (base 8) and hexadecimal (base 16). In principle, any positive whole number can be used as a base. Consider base 12, also called DUODECIMAL. In base 12 we use the digits 0 through 9. For the extra two digits, we use A and B. Thus, in base 12, we count as follows: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, 10, 11, 12, and so on. The number 22 in base 10 equals 1A in base 12
What important advantages does base 12 have over base 10? Hint: How many factors does 12 have compared to 10? How does this simplify calculations? Would our culture be better off if we used base 12 instead of base 10?
In spite of its advantages, we don’t use base 12 with computers. Most of the time we use base 16, which is much more complicated. Why is this?
By the way, if you have ever read the Lord of the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkein, you will be interested to know that the Elvish languages use a duodecimal number system.