The Hindu-Arabic numeral system is based on five principles: it uses a base-10 system with 10 digits, the position of each digit determines its value with each place representing a power of 10, the value of each digit is multiplied by its place value, digits are added together to obtain the total value of a number, and it functions like an odometer where the next place turns over after reaching 10.

1. PRINCIPLES OF NUMERATION

2. The five principles The Hindu-Arabic system we use is based on five principles: Base Position Multiplication Additive Odometer

3. Base 10 The numeration system is a base 10 system and uses only 10 digits: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9

4. Position The position of a digit indicates its value and every place in the system is related to others by powers of 10.

5. Multiplicative The value of each digit is multiplied by the value of its place e.g. in 26 the value of the 2 is 2 x 10 and the value of the 6 is 6 x 1.

6. Additive Digits in a number are added to give its value e.g. to give the total amount of 26, 20 + 6 are added together.

7. Odometer The Hindu-Arabic system is a system that every place counts. You can compare this to an odometer. On each count of 1 – 9 , the wheel turns and when the 10 th turn is made, the next number in the reel turns.