Learning to count

[sigma]

When we learn to count in binary we are told it 's base is 0 and 1, hexadecimal is 0 to F yet we teach children that decimal is 1 to 10. Why. Surely they should be taught that decimal is 0 to 9 which will give a better understanding of the structure of binary and hexadecinal counting.

[mont6660]

For young children it makes sense to work around 0-10 - they have 10 fingers and it makes logical sense to them. We also use "10's" all the time in basic arithmetic - make it up to the next 10 etc. Hexadecimals, binary systems etc come much later....

[nightmare]

mont6660.
is polydactyly rife where you live?
most children have eight fingers and two thumbs

ever the pedant,
nightmare

[mont6660]

Ha Ha Nightmare! Good to see you're on the ball!