108 (number)

108 is the natural number following 107 and preceding 109.

In mathematics

One hundred eight is an abundant number, a tetranacci number, a Harshad number and a self number. It is the hyperfactorial of 3. 108 is a number that is divisible by the value of its φ function, which is 36.

In normal space, the interior angles of an equilateral pentagon measure 108 degrees each.

There are 108 free polyominoes of order 7.

One hundred eight is also:

The atomic number of hassium.
In Homer's Odyssey, the number of suitors coveting Penelope, wife of Odysseus.
Chinese astrology holds that there are 108 sacred stars. (This legend is the basis of the Suikoden series of video games: each of the 108 playable characters is a representation of a star in Chinese astrology.)
Several different tai chi long forms consist of 108 moves.
A Mala (Sanskrit word for prayer beads) usually has beads for 108 repetitions of a mantra
The number of surat al-Kawthar in the Qur'an, the smallest one of the Book.
In Islam, used to refer to Allah.
A holy symbol of Siva among the Saivites, for Siva Nataraja dances his cosmic dance in 108 poses.
Held sacred or otherwise significant by various Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions.
The year AD 108 or 108 BC.

Why 108? Article on the symbolism of the number 108.

Last updated: 06-05-2005 03:22:27