The Romans used a decimal system for whole
numbers, reflecting how they counted in Latin and they used a duodecimal
system for fractions, because the divisibility of twelve makes it easier to handle the common fractions of 1/3 and 1/4 than does a system based on ten.
On coins, many of which had values that were duodecimal fractions of the unit as, they used a tally-like notational system based on twelfths and halves. A dot indicated an uncia "twelfth", the source of the English words inch and ounce; dots were repeated for fractions up to five twelfths.
Six twelfths was abbreviated as the letter S for semis "half". Uncia dots were added to S for fractions from seven to eleven twelfths, just as tallies were added to V for whole numbers from six to nine. Now, you can be more confused about the roman numeral system.
On coins, many of which had values that were duodecimal fractions of the unit as, they used a tally-like notational system based on twelfths and halves. A dot indicated an uncia "twelfth", the source of the English words inch and ounce; dots were repeated for fractions up to five twelfths.
Six twelfths was abbreviated as the letter S for semis "half". Uncia dots were added to S for fractions from seven to eleven twelfths, just as tallies were added to V for whole numbers from six to nine. Now, you can be more confused about the roman numeral system.
No comments:
Post a Comment