The three different numeration systems that will be talked about are: 

We will first learn about the Egyptian Numeration System!

Maria Birone

How do we know what the Egyptian Numeration System is?

It has been found on writing on stones of monument walls of ancient times. Some numbers have been found on pottery and limestone plaques!

This is ancient Egyptian Art.

Egyptian Numeration System

The Egyptian Numeration System began in 3000 B.C.

This numeration system is based off of hieroglyphs which are little pictures/symbols that represent people, plants, animals, and numbers!

The Egyptians formed this system by putting all the symbols together.

This was effective as any symbols could be put together in any order, as the value of one symbol does NOT depend on its position.

It was developed in order to be able to write numbers from 1 all the way through 1,000,000! 

It is based on 10!

Example of how the symbols are used:

The Mayan Numeral System

Kiana Robinson

History

The Mayans were a formed civilization from 1800 BCE to 250 AD.  They lived near the Yucatan Peninsula.  They were a very advanced civilization with futuristic beliefs.  To the Mayans, time was divine and eternal.  They were very ritualistic and this shows in their way of life and mathematics! 

Development

The Mayan numeral system is based on the idea of counting all twenty fingers and toes.  It supports their calendar and calculation methods.  The system was developed to follow their ritualistic lifestyles and priestly class.  This system is considered to be very sophisticated and advanced.

Achievements

The Mayans achieved accurate astronomical observations.  They were able to measure the length of the solar year and the lunar months better than Europe.  

Set Backs

The geographical disconnection from the rest of the world caused the Mayans to have no influence on the Old World's numbering systems or mathematical practices.  There is little evidence of the Mayan's influence in today's society.  

Mathematics

The Mayan numeral system uses a place value system.  They were one of the first systems to include a value for zero.  The numbers are written vertically.  It is a base-twenty system.

            x8000

            x400

            x20

            x1

          = one

------- = five

          = zero