Post by Barr Tulip on Jan 10, 2014 14:16:47 GMT -5
The Cheltians traditionally used a numerical system called the binder system. It is a system of calculating large numbers and representing numbers in writing and in person.
The binder system uses binders to group numbers together. The first binder consists of 0(.000...1) and 2(.000...). The second binder, 2(.000...1) to 7. The third, 7 to 11. The fourth, 11 to 20, and so on according to the the writings of certain Lorm. Numbers can be expressed in reference to these binders, e.g. half a first is 1. This would not be necessary generally, but tribal ritual specifies that certain numbers need to be expressed in reference to a certain binder, and each binder has a certain significance in different contexts. For example: the fifth binder 20-25 is the binder of martial ritual, and prayers made concerning battle or violence usually include numbers within this binder ('May twenty-two evils be wrought on our enemies as twenty-two blessings shower our families on victory'). Some binders have a strong assocation, for example the thirteenth binder is associated with the fifth binder because 25, the greatest fifth, squared makes 625, the central number of the thirteenth binder.
Binders can be expressed with the left hand while the right hand represents fractions of the numbers within that binder. In this way it is possible to express very large numbers.
There is a mystical and obscure logic to binders, which is unknown outside the Char and Lorm castes, though every Cheltian has some knowledge of the binders, especially those associated with their livelihood, activities or family.
Irrational numbers can be expressed through the binder system using relevant phrases (second (binder) pi).
The binder system uses binders to group numbers together. The first binder consists of 0(.000...1) and 2(.000...). The second binder, 2(.000...1) to 7. The third, 7 to 11. The fourth, 11 to 20, and so on according to the the writings of certain Lorm. Numbers can be expressed in reference to these binders, e.g. half a first is 1. This would not be necessary generally, but tribal ritual specifies that certain numbers need to be expressed in reference to a certain binder, and each binder has a certain significance in different contexts. For example: the fifth binder 20-25 is the binder of martial ritual, and prayers made concerning battle or violence usually include numbers within this binder ('May twenty-two evils be wrought on our enemies as twenty-two blessings shower our families on victory'). Some binders have a strong assocation, for example the thirteenth binder is associated with the fifth binder because 25, the greatest fifth, squared makes 625, the central number of the thirteenth binder.
Binders can be expressed with the left hand while the right hand represents fractions of the numbers within that binder. In this way it is possible to express very large numbers.
There is a mystical and obscure logic to binders, which is unknown outside the Char and Lorm castes, though every Cheltian has some knowledge of the binders, especially those associated with their livelihood, activities or family.
Irrational numbers can be expressed through the binder system using relevant phrases (second (binder) pi).