9781839766220 what does this number mean

jangame

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15-04-2025

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Decoding 9781839766220: Understanding ISBN Numbers

The number 9781839766220 looks like a random string of digits, but it's actually a powerful piece of information: it's an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This unique identifier is crucial for tracking and identifying books worldwide. Let's break down what each part of this ISBN means.

Understanding ISBN Structure

ISBNs have evolved over time. Older ISBNs had 10 digits; the current standard is a 13-digit number, like the one you provided. This 13-digit ISBN is structured as follows:

• 978: This is the ISBN group identifier. It signifies that the book uses the ISBN-13 standard and is part of the "Bookland" system. All ISBN-13 numbers begin with 978.

• 1: This is the publisher prefix. It identifies the specific publishing house. The prefix is assigned by the ISBN agency in the country where the publisher is located. Different publishers will have different prefixes.

• 83976622: This is the title number. This unique section distinguishes the specific book from other titles published by the same publisher.

• 0: This is the check digit. This final digit is calculated based on the preceding numbers using a specific algorithm. It acts as an error-checking mechanism, ensuring the ISBN is valid. If there's an error in any of the other digits, the check digit will be incorrect.

What 9781839766220 Tells Us

Therefore, 9781839766220 tells us:

• The book uses the standard 13-digit ISBN system.
• It was published by a publisher with the prefix "1". (To find the exact publisher, you would need to consult a database of ISBN prefixes).
• It has a unique title number assigned by that publisher.
• The check digit "0" confirms the validity of the preceding digits.

Finding the Book

To find the book with ISBN 9781839766220, you can use this number on major online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or directly on the publisher's website (once you identify them using the publisher prefix). Simply input the ISBN into the search bar, and the book should appear.

Why ISBNs Matter

ISBNs are vital for various reasons:

• Book Identification: They provide a unique identifier for each book, preventing confusion between similar titles.
• Inventory Management: Booksellers and libraries use ISBNs to track inventory and manage their collections effectively.
• Sales Tracking: Publishers use ISBNs to track sales and monitor the performance of their books.
• Copyright Protection: ISBNs play a role in copyright protection, helping to identify and track unauthorized copies.

In conclusion, the number 9781839766220 is not just a random sequence of numbers; it's a crucial identifier that holds significant information about a specific book. Understanding the structure of ISBNs helps us understand how the publishing world works and makes it easier to track down specific titles.