3 ms·
Base e is the optimal base for number representation, so that’s probably why. Followed by base 3, then base 2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radix_economy ht
by nighthawk454 3y ago
Base e is the optimal base for number representation, so that’s probably why. Followed by base 3, then base 2.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radix_economy https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radix_economy
- o11c 3y agoFSVO "optimal". In practice, both physical reality and algorithm design strongly favors base 2.
- nighthawk454 3y agoYeah, specifically, the definition of optimal provided - radix economy. There are plenty of other considerations one could make in other contexts. Practically, a transcendental base seems... rather impractical. And base 2 is not so much 'more optimal' than base 3 to warrant the electrical complexity probably, for example.
- eru 3y agoNegative bases are probably even better, because you can represent negative numbers without worrying about extra sign handling.