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Glite Dictionary
number representation system

number representation system

5.9
A way of writing numbers using symbols and rules like decimal or binary
  • noun
  • /ˈnʌmbər ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnteɪʃən ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de representación numérica
  • The decimal number representation system is used in everyday arithmetic.

Examples

  • Binary is a number representation system essential for modern computers.

  • Different cultures have developed their own number representation systems throughout history.

  • The number representation system used in computers is binary.

  • Can you explain the number representation system for decimals?

  • The decimal number representation system is commonly used for financial transactions.

  • In programming, understanding the binary number representation system is crucial.

  • Many students learn about the hexadecimal number representation system in computer science classes.

Synonyms

notation
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
9 5.1

A system of signs used to show music or math

is used when the focus is on numeric symbols and rules
number system
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
2 3.5

A way to write numbers using digits, like decimal or binary

is the same idea but uses the longer technical phrase
mathematical notation
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A system of symbols and signs that show numbers, operations, and how they relate

is the numeric representation idea applied beyond pure mathematics
numeration system
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
4.0

A way to write or show amounts using symbols like digits

is the more general expression with identical meaning
system of numeration
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
4.3

A way of writing numbers using digits like decimal or binary

is the same concept stated as a different phrase
positional representation system
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
8.0

A way of writing numbers where each digit's value depends on its place

is a broader system that does not require place based value
positional notation
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
6.9

A number system where each digit's value depends on its place

is the general term for expressing quantities not only this method
notational system
vsnumber representation system
  • Specialized
6.6

A set of symbols that shows numbers or ideas, for example in music and math

is focused specifically on numeric expression rather than all symbol systems

How Complex

binary system
  • Specialized
1 3.5
decimal system
  • Specialized
2 3.1
number representation system
  • Specialized
5.9
xix
6.0
pictogram
1 4.1

Surface Forms

number representation system singular
number representation systems plural

Morphology

number + representation + system

The phrase is transparently compositional: it denotes a 'system' whose function is the 'representation' of 'numbers', so the overall meaning follows directly from the constituent meanings. Although somewhat technical, this noun-noun composition is cross-linguistically common (e.g. 'sistema de representación numérica'), so a B1 learner who knows the parts would readily infer the sense.

Etymology

Number representation system comes from a simple idea: people needed a clear way to represent a number, so they used fingers, tally marks, or beads and created a steady system of signs and rules. That's why today it means 'a way to show numbers' with symbols.