The Dragon Language

[Mad Monk]

Dragons were reputed to have taught humans mathematics and science - one of the earliest forms of mathematics was the Babylonian system, which used a sexagesimal (Base 60) system. It is why we have 60 seconds in a minute, and 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle.

They counted to 60 using the twelve knuckles on one hand, and five fingers on the other hand.

[ANTIcarrot]

It is a lot more complex than that. for instance 1+1+10 is also true if you are using base 2

Wow. That's the first time I've ever seen a wild deepity. A sentence that is true on the surface but also utterly false once you look below the surface.

Now please - a question before we proceede further: Are you implying that I am too stupid to understand the concept ofexponentiational bases, or that a nation of a billion people is too stupid to understand exponentiational bases? Because both of those sentiments are insulting, but one is also racist.

[Bigwind]

I remember this Sci fi show, that someone invented this kind of energy field or signal that was very unique. It causes those in range....

Just to change direction, especially for all us pedants, there are no degrees of uniqueness. It is either unique or it is not. So, you cannot say "very unique".

[Dreamer]

Now please - a question before we proceede further: Are you implying that I am too stupid to understand the concept ofexponentiational bases, or that a nation of a billion people is too stupid to understand exponentiational bases? Because both of those sentiments are insulting, but one is also racist.

Neither, the idea is so basic most specialists would never question their basic assumptions. As was quoted "aliens are alien". Some of the most basic assumptions about the written style of Draconic math may be the humans' downfall in their translations.

Another thought is the idea of 3/4 vs 0.75 completely different symbols used to convey the same numerical quantity.
With magic involved, there also might unique (I won't use the term "very") notations or short-hand that denote complex mathematical constructs - similar to how we use "c" (the speed of light in a vacuum), the Greek letter π, or refer to p values in statistics.

Besides, the US (and I am assuming the Chinese are similar) research into issues with security / national power/saftey concerns are mostly directed or at least overseen by political appointies.