A new kind of mathematics

What my idea boils down to is to combine the advantages of the Inuit vigesimal numbering system called Kaktovik Inupiaq, with the benefits of the duodecimal number system.

The Inuit system being vigesimal (base 20), is made up of twenty symbols, with a “sub base” made up of five elements:

As you can see, the single units are represented by diagonals that position themselves next to the previous ones as the number increases (\ = 1, \ / = 2, etc. ..) up to 4 (= \ / \ /).

The 5 is a single rod positioned at the top, and goes alongside other groups of 5 as the number represented increases, up to the symbol corresponding to 19.

8 for example, is a rod at the top (5) plus three rods down ( \/\ ). 16 is 3 rods at the top (15) plus one rod at the bottom.

The advantage of this system is that operations can be done in a much more graphical and intuitive way.

Addition for example is a simple concatenation \ / + \ / = \ / \ / (2 + 2 = 4). And when it isn’t, just think in groups of five.

For example: 3+4 is easily obtained by counting the number of rods (in red) up to five, therefore a rod must be placed at the top (symbolizing the number five).