Vigesimal mathematics is the twenty-based mathematics, as opposed to the decimal mathematics of the third dimension. In vigesimal math, numbers have a verticle order instead of horizontal and is written with a minimum of only three symbols, a system called dot-bar notation.
The three symbols used are:
Vigesimal mathematics is 20 based, which means it is based on the count of 0-20 (instead of 0-10). Here are all twenty numbers, 0-19:
The numbers above are how you write 0-19, but in vigesimal math, as soon as you go beyond 19 you need another level to work on. Verticle levels increase by powers of 20. Read from bottom to top:
In dot-bar notation, one dot = 1, however, if that one dot is in the 2nd level, that dot = 20 (1 x 20), if it is in the 3rd level that dot = 400 (1 x 400) and so on.
In dot-bar notation one bar = 5, but if that bar appears in the 4th level up it is equal to 40,000! (5 x 8000).
You can see how vigesimal mathematics allows simple computation of very large numbers, and furthermore the notation system itself of dots and bars keeps the system very simple to manage with much less symbols to memorize.
Here are a few examples of numbers written in vigesimal dot-bar notation:
Vigesimal mathematics can also be written horizontally. For example, the first example above, 21, which shows one dot in the 20's position and one dot in the 1's position can be written "1.1".
The second number, 441, with 1 dot in the 400's position, 2 dots in the 20's position, and 1 dot in the 1's position, can be written "1.2.1", and the third example 9261 can be written "1.3.3.1".
Here's another example to show how you use the zero as a place holder:
The first example, 20, is written with 1 dot in the 20's position and a zero in the 1's position - and can also be written as "1.0". The second number, 400, is writtein with 1 dot in the 400's position, and a zero in the 20's and 1's positions - and can be written "1.0.0".
Remember the count is only 0-19, so each level can hold up to 19 units, and you only have to use as many levels as it takes to make the number. For example:
In the first example, 49, there is 2 in the 20's level which equals 40, and 9 in the 1's level, which equals 9.
40 +9 = 49
Second is 144, there is 7 in the 20's level (7 x 20 =140), and 4 in the 1's level.
140 + 4 = 144
Third is 1,248: There is 3 in the 400's level (400 x 3 = 1,200), 2 in the 20's level (20 x 2 = 40) and 8 in the 1's level.
1200 + 40 + 8 = 1,248
Vigesimal mathematics is the mathematics of the fourth dimension, where each number has not only quantity, but quality and meaning as well. Let the numbers speak to you!
