In base-10, each digit of a number can have an integer value ranging from 0 to 9 (10 possibilities) depending on its position. The places or positions of the numbers are based on powers of 10. Each number position is 10 times the value to the right of it, hence the term base-10.

What is so special about base 10?

Base 10 has been passed down since centuries as the default way humans view numbers. It wouldn’t have changed much if it was, say base 12. The technique for counting and arithmetic operations remain the same for different bases. Base 10 is suitable for humans as it enables easy finger counting.

What is base 10 called?

decimal system, also called Hindu-Arabic number system or Arabic number system, in mathematics, positional numeral system employing 10 as the base and requiring 10 different numerals, the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. It also requires a dot (decimal point) to represent decimal fractions.