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Vigesimal

Vigesimal System of Numbering

Have you wondered why do numbers from 11-19 have a different “naming scheme” compared to say numbers from 50-59?

Also learn why languages like Danish have complicated numbering system

97 = Syvoghalvfemsindstyve = 7 + [-½+5] x 20

Unlike 52 which is called Fifty two (50+2), 12 is not called teeny two (10+2). This anomaly is present till 19. Why? Welcome to vigesimal system, where the base for counting is not 10, but 20. It is as old as Mayan civilization.

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Vigesimal system was common in many languages in ancient times. Today few languages have managed to retain it completely. Closer home, Bhutanese (Dzhongka) has a vigesimal system where 30 is written as (2- 1/2) *20 , one and a half times of twenty.

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Now compare this with a pure decimal counting practised in Sanskrit : 11 is eka-dasha (10+1) , 21 is eka-vimashati (20+1). The pattern is exactly the same , no exceptions for numbers from 11-19.

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Pure decimal system languages like Sanskrit however came in contact with neighbouring languages that followed vigesimal system, eventually leading to fusion numbering system where 11-19 follow a different naming scheme compared to 21-99.

Vigesimal effect can be seen in almost all European languages in varying degrees. In French , numbers follow decimal system till 69, but suddenly shift to vigesimal system from 70!! So 71 is sixty eleven, 79 is sixty-nineteen, 80 is 4 twenties.

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If you thought French numbering is crazy, wait till you learn about Danish numbering system which has a pure vigesimal system from 50-99. 90 is (1/2 less than 5) * 20

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