I always thought that roman numerals would be a simpler way to do basic arithmetic and might lend itself more to simple commerce. For example: III represents 3 things, so III + II = IIIII For simple commerce application that is simpler, I just have to then remember that IIIII = V, and VV = X and XXXXX = L, LL = C. Armed with just those simple rules I could probably get by in the market place in Rome.
With Arabic numbers, I have to learn that 1 is one thing, 2 represents 2 things, 3 represents 3 things and so on. Then I have to remember that 2 + 2 = 4, and 3 + 2 = 5, there is more memorization required.
Where Roman Numerals for someone with little or no education could get by in the market square with some simple rules and even use twigs as a primitive calculator. It is not until you get to much more complex ideas that the Arabic notation wins out.
So perhaps, different notations lend themselves better or worse depending on the application ?
Just some random thoughts that this very interesting post brought to mind.
With Arabic numbers, I have to learn that 1 is one thing, 2 represents 2 things, 3 represents 3 things and so on. Then I have to remember that 2 + 2 = 4, and 3 + 2 = 5, there is more memorization required.
Where Roman Numerals for someone with little or no education could get by in the market square with some simple rules and even use twigs as a primitive calculator. It is not until you get to much more complex ideas that the Arabic notation wins out.
So perhaps, different notations lend themselves better or worse depending on the application ?
Just some random thoughts that this very interesting post brought to mind.