Why is the measurement of time (seconds, minutes, hours) based around the number 60? Why not a more common base, like 10 or 100?
60 is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30. Lots of options for splitting time into neat segments. You can divide 60 into halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, tenths, twelfths, fifteenths, twentieths, and thirtieths.
The Short Answer
60 is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30. Lots of options for splitting time into neat segments. You can divide 60 into halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, tenths, twelfths, fifteenths, twentieths, and thirtieths. 10 is only divisible by 2 and 5. So you can only divide it neatly into halves and fifths. It's just not as flexible. Edit: I'm a political junkie, so I comment on a lot of threads featuring hot-button issues. But according to my inbox, this is the most incendiary comment I've ever made.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Divisible, divide, halves
This explanation focuses on divisible, divide, halves and spans 79 words across 8 sentences. The depth is typical for Science questions (category average: 72 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “60 is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in Science
Ranked #182 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 37%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why the measurement of time (seconds, minutes, hours) based around the number 60? why not a more common base, like 10 or 100?
60 is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30. Lots of options for splitting time into neat segments. You can divide 60 into halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, tenths, twelfths, fifteenths, twentieths, and thirtieths. 10 is only…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?
This is an above-average answer at 79 words, ranked #182 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are divisible, divide, halves.
What approach does this answer take to explain the measurement of time (seconds, minutes, hours) based arou?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 79 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.