Well because of writing equations numerically, instead of verbally. If we were to use "Arabic" numerals to write base six equations, like the Ngkolmpu counting system that started this discussion, "10" would be the answer to "What's 3 times 2?"
And "10" is the number representing "3 x 4," in base twelve.
So if we're going to switch to a base twelve system, we'd need two additional symbols to put on our phone buttons and number pads.
And those new symbols need new names, to make it clear that we're not working in base 10.
Now, if our culture were already universally working in base 12, then you're right -- we could just go on calling the new symbols "ten" and "Eleven" (though I'd argue the words for them would, instead, be derived from "two less" and "one less," instead of "one more" and "two more"
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dancing_serpent
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2018-07-17 10:21 am (UTC)And "10" is the number representing "3 x 4," in base twelve.
So if we're going to switch to a base twelve system, we'd need two additional symbols to put on our phone buttons and number pads.
And those new symbols need new names, to make it clear that we're not working in base 10.
Now, if our culture were already universally working in base 12, then you're right -- we could just go on calling the new symbols "ten" and "Eleven" (though I'd argue the words for them would, instead, be derived from "two less" and "one less," instead of "one more" and "two more"