base five: 2 flats, 1 long, 1 unit

In base five, the number represented by 2 flats, 1 long, and 1 unit would be 21.

Explanation:
Each place value in base five is multiplied by powers of 5. The following table illustrates the values of each place:

Place Value: 5^3 5^2 5^1 5^0
_______________________
| | | |
Value: | | | |
| 625 | 125 | 25 | 5

Using this table, we can convert the digits to their respective values:

2 flats: 2 * 25 = 50
1 long: 1 * 5 = 5
1 unit: 1 * 1 = 1

Combining the values, we get 50 + 5 + 1 = 56 in base ten. Therefore, in base five, 2 flats, 1 long, and 1 unit represent the number 56.

To understand the number you've described in base five, we need to interpret each symbol.

In base five, the symbols represent different place values. Here's a breakdown:

- "Flats" represents the value of 5^2 (25).
- "Longs" represents the value of 5^1 (5).
- "Units" represents the value of 5^0 (1).

Now let's interpret the number based on the symbols given:

- "2 flats" means we have two groups of 25, which is 2 * 25 = 50.
- "1 long" means we have one group of 5, which is 1 * 5 = 5.
- "1 unit" means we have one unit, which is 1.

Putting it all together, 2 flats, 1 long, and 1 unit in base five is equal to 50 + 5 + 1, which simplifies to 56.