positional notation

noun

: a system of expressing numbers in which the digits are arranged in succession, the position of each digit has a place value, and the number is equal to the sum of the products of each digit by its place value

Examples of positional notation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The answer is a process that doesn’t look much like modern arithmetic with Arabic numerals and positional notation, but is, in fact, far more powerful and flexible than it’s usually given credit for. Chad Orzel, Forbes, 12 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of positional notation was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near positional notation

Cite this Entry

“Positional notation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positional%20notation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!