Why Base 60?

 

Firstly, the number 60 is particularly convenient and significant as the base for a number notational system due to its high number of divisors. With 12 divisors (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60), it allows for easy fractions and proportions, simplifying mathematical calculations. This divisibility made it practical for everyday applications in trade, commerce, and land measurement, as well as for recording time and angles, where precise divisions are essential.

In Chinese culture, the traditional Chinese zodiac consists of a 12-year cycle, with each year further divided into five elements, resulting in a 60-year cycle. This system is used to denote one's birth year and characteristics, and it continues to be a popular cultural reference. Additionally, traditional Chinese timekeeping often involves the division of an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds, like the global standard, highlighting the enduring significance of 60 in measuring time.

The use of 60 as a base in Babylonian numeration has left a lasting historical legacy. It influenced various systems of measurement and timekeeping worldwide, including our contemporary divisions of time into 60 seconds and 60 minutes in an hour. The concept of degrees, minutes, and seconds in angles is also rooted in the division of circles into 360 degrees, each further divided into 60 minutes and 60 seconds. The convenience and familiarity of using 60 in time and angle measurements have led to its global standardization. It transcends cultural boundaries and remains a fundamental aspect of daily life in many societies. This standardization aids in precision, consistency, and ease of communication in fields ranging from science and technology to navigation and everyday timekeeping.

 

Comments

  1. stephalafOctober 2, 2023 at 1:34 PM

    Hi Sheng, really nice speculations, here. I wonder if you might provide specific examples of the transcendence of cultural boundaries. Are they all in terms of time, or are there other applications?

    ReplyDelete

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