👉 Aruba math, also known as Aruba arithmetic or Aruban numbering, is a unique positional numeral system developed by Dutch mathematician Willem Jacobus Aruba in the late 19th century. It uses a base-13 system, which means each digit's place value is a power of 13 (units = \(13^0\), teens = \(13^1\), threes = \(13^2\), etc.). This system simplifies calculations by avoiding the need for fractions and making it particularly efficient for certain types of arithmetic, especially in contexts like music theory or navigation. Numbers are represented using a combination of digits from 0 to 12, where each digit's position is determined by its value multiplied by \(13^n\), with \(n\) being the digit's index from right to left. For example, the number 123 in Aruba means \(1 \times 13^2 + 2 \times 13^1 + 3 \times 13^0\). This compact and intuitive system allows for quick mental calculations and has found applications in various fields, including music theory, where it aids in tuning scales and intervals.
