Numbering Systems

Decimal System

In the decimal system or denary system, ten is the radix of decimal numeration and of common logarithms. This system came into use because of the fact that humans have 10 fingers and the early computers were designed based on this system. It is built on successive powers of 10, the number with the smallest value (10⁰) being the LSD (Least Significant Digit) and the number with the highest value (10⁴) being the MSD (Most Significant Digit). The decimal system is difficult and slow to operate in digital equipment, as the circuits would have 10 separate levels of collector current.

Note: Kindly refer the ‘Decimals’ topic in ‘Arithmetic’ section for more information.