A Critical analysis on ancient numerals
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Date
2011
Authors
Iqbal, S. S. J. M.
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Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Numerals, signs or symbols are graphic representation of numbers. The evolution of numeral system started from ancient time and our ancestors discovered various numeral systems and developed gradually. In the past, people used fingers and words to communicate each other. The earliest forms of numerical notation were simply groups of straight lines, either vertical or horizontal, each line corresponding to the number one (1).
In our research work, we analyze various numeral systems originated in certain rich civilizations namely: 1. Babylonian numerals 2. Chinese numerals 3. Egyptian numerals 4. Mayan numerals 5. Greek numerals 6. Roman numerals 7. Indian numerals 8. Arabic numerals, we also consider in our analysis how they have developed gradually. Through this research, we could find similarities on numeral systems among different civilizations, how they varied according to the needs of the people and how they were replaced with modified figures from time to time.
Also we analyzed a number of symbols based on decimal system. This made us to find how they led to many innovations on different field such as, Science and Technology. Especially, the Chinese numeral system has contributed much for the development of Mathematics and system of numerations. We noticed that the numeral system developed in Indian civilization is very explicit. Special skills were needed to enhance their level of standard of their writing and we found that the Arabian numerals were based on decimal system.
When we analyzed the Greek Numeral system we could find that it is based on the Greek alphabet and is supposed to be the first alphabetic numeral system. When we considered the Roman numeral system we found that it had been utilized. with only seven numeral values or symbols.
There is a large variation of symbols which were used to represent numerals among different civilizations. Numerical symbols were formed with the origination of different civilizations in different countries.
Further, we were able to analyze different ancient cultures and how they influenced the numerical development of various rich civilizations.
Finally, we could notice that how the developed numeral systems have become a pioneering stream for modern usages and how they are inter woven and undertaken in number of fields.
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Science Education