> -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [mailto:chat- > [email protected]] On Behalf Of Raul Miller
> As near as I can tell, the distinction between cardinal and ordinal > numbers dates back to the 1800s - well before the implementation of J. What I stated has nothing to do with the difference in cardinals and ordinals. It has to do with counting. It is completely valid to use the cardinals and count 0,1,2,... for the number of apples you have, but it is absurd to use these numbers as ordinals and say apple 0,1,2,.... If you have no apple, it's of no use talking about the zeroth apple. If you do have apples, and you order them (!), then it can be useful to mention first, second etc. Can you explain a child or anyone else what you mean with apple 0? > An advantage of 0 is that it's an additive identity. What is that advantage in this context of numbering? > Also, binomials > use the exponents 0, 1, 2 (and polynomials are a frequently used > mathematical concept). So you write 2*x^2+3*x^1+5*x^0 ? Ever seen a mathematician do so? IMO everyone should use indices 1,2,3,... R.E. Boss (Add your info to http://www.jsoftware.com/jwiki/Community/Demographics ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
