Arithmetic of Bar Digits

Bar digits are negative digits where the signifier is written over the digit rather than to the left, as is common practice. They have a very powerful advantage when it comes to discriminating between the minus in an arithmetic expression as a signifier of subtraction (minus operator), and the minus as a signifier of a negative digit (minus sign).



The arithmetic operations are exactly the same as for negative digits and require a little bit of practice to get used to them. It is also useful to practice saying the digits as bar six or whatever, which is necessary in order to become familiar with their use when a number is represented in vinculum form.