What did people do before decimals?

Before the widespread use of decimals, people primarily used fractions for calculations and measurements. They relied on systems like the duodecimal (base-12) or sexagesimal (base-60) systems, which were common in ancient cultures. Counting and trade often involved whole numbers or simple fractions, making it necessary to have a clear understanding of ratiOS and proportionality. Tools like the abacus and counting boards also facilitated arithmetic operations without decimals.