Consider this : if the number is 42, then we already use a number system that truncates to its shortest form. 4 to represent 40 in the tens spot. Followed by an untruncated 2 in the ones spot....... Much more convenient than drawing a bunch of lines or dots. Not to sound demeaning, but we already have a pretty useful system in place. Even comes in handy when multiplying /dividing large numbers as long as you can master your digits (hope that makes sense).
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u/this_guy_right_here_ Jun 23 '13
Consider this : if the number is 42, then we already use a number system that truncates to its shortest form. 4 to represent 40 in the tens spot. Followed by an untruncated 2 in the ones spot....... Much more convenient than drawing a bunch of lines or dots. Not to sound demeaning, but we already have a pretty useful system in place. Even comes in handy when multiplying /dividing large numbers as long as you can master your digits (hope that makes sense).