Ancient Number Systems

Running head: ANCIENT NUMBER SYSTEMS

Ancient Number Systems

College Mathematics

Ancient Number Systems

This paper will provide a brief overview of selected ancient numbering systems, including Egyptian, Greek, Babylonian, Indian, and Mayan. In particular, key areas of both differences and commonality will be explored, such as base system, concept of zero, and effects of medium and economy.

Base Systems

Our present-day numbering system is known as a base 10 system (need name?). The Romans and Hindu used a base 10 system as well, although it was very different from our system in that it was not positional.

The Mayans used a system based on 20. This is referred to as a vigesimal system. One might assume that this arose from the practice of counting on both fingers and toes, whereas a base 10 system presumes that fingers only were used for counting.

The Babylonian system was hexasegimal, meaning that it was based on 60. This concept carries forward today in the way we think of time (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hours, etc.)

Concept