Decimal system

Decimal system, system of computation based on the number 10 (Latin decem). Almost all countries use the decimal system. The system uses 10 numerals — 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 — to represent any number as the sum of powers of 10. The units place indicates multiples of 100 (defined as 1), the tens place indicates multiples of 101, the hundreds place indicates multiples of 102, and so forth. Thus the number 4,256 means (4×103) + (2×102) + (5×101) + (6×100). The system is also used to represent numbers between 0 and 1. Thus 1.345 means (1×100) + (3×10−1) + (4×10−2) + (5×10−3). A decimal point is used to separate the part between 0 and 1 from the rest of the number; 4,256.345.

The decimal system was invented by the Hindus c.600 A.D. They introduced the concept of zero or 0. The system was spread throughout North Africa and Europe by the Arabs in the next few centuries.