How big is a billion?

2 Responses to How big is a billion?

1. Bertie Bassett says:

   May 28, 2012 at 3:19 pm

   Ah yes the magical number of a billion. I see many open eyes, looking at the wonders of the universe. They are kept in place by the single closed eye, that gives them value, but restricts their power. I see many things in such a simple but at the same time complex number. The 9 zeros in their groups of three, speak to me of allowing small communication whilst ensuring that a major message is held within. The 1 at the head of the number has control and ensures that a head-long rush to infinity is avoided.

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2. Tugdual says:

   May 28, 2012 at 9:20 pm

   Quick clarification: it is not logical to call 1 000 000² a billion since the prefix “bi-” doesn’t mean squared but time two. Therefore a billion should be 2 000 000. Same goes for “tri-” , “quadri-” etc… The truth is that in the long system a billion is 10²*⁶, a trillion is 10³*⁶ etc…

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