Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Number Systems
When you solve math problems, you work with different systems of numbers.
The systems of numbers often allow you to express the same numbers differently.
In your earlier studies of math, it is likely that you became familiar with some
of the numbering systems. As you study more math, you work extensively
with several systems of numbers. The next few sections discuss the different
systems.
Natural or Counting Numbers
The natural or counting numbers start at 1 and proceed in increments of 1
indefinitely. You work with situations in which your activities may lead to
an object or objects that you might point to, or count. For this reason, it is
fairly easy to recognize that the natural numbers system probably constitutes
the oldest way of counting things. You might imagine, for example, a potter
working in a situation in which he or she makes a series of pots. To count the
pots, it's necessary only to line them up or draw lines in the earth. Consider
Figure 2.1.
The mathematical symbol for natural numbers is N. Here is one way to math-
ematically describe natural numbers:
N
¼f
1, 2, 3 . . .
g
The N preceding the equals sign indicates that all the numbers belong to the set of
natural or counting numbers. The three periods trailing the 3 indicate that the
Figure 2.1
Natural or counting numbers allow to you readily account for things you can point to.
