There are many number systems throughout the world that many people use. You have the Quipu which is an Inca counting system, Greek, Mayan, Egyptian and Ancient Egypt counting system. Some that we know more about would be the Decimal, Base 5 and Base 12 counting system. During class we looked at six different counting systems, to me they were quite easy to catch on to because even though math isn't my favorite subject I understand and can figure word and number story problems out with hardly any trouble. Even though others struggled in the beginning because it was so new to our class, within a few tries with problems of addition and subtraction everyone understood each number system better.
Throughout class that day, Classmates were saying how confusing the Egyptian, Babylonian and Mayan counting system. Our Teacher told us that to others using the Egyptian, Babylonian and Mayan counting system, that our way looked just as confusing. In each counting system that we learned, we found the Base, if it was Positional, the Symbols they used and individual numbers represented.Represented here are the Mayan, Babylonian and Egyptian counting system and symbols.
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One concept to understanding variation based numbering systems that I have learned, is that once you find the base of the system, you must then understand the 'rule of powers' applied to your reference base. In positional bases such as base five or twelve: each new position reflects the base to the succeeding power. For example Base 5: 5^0, 5^2, 5^3...
ReplyDeleteOnce understood, you are then able to apply this knowledge to acient numeration systems:
Egyptian (BASE 10):
the STICK= 10^0,
the HEEL BONE= 10^1,
the COILED ROPE= 10^2...
Babylonian (BASE 60):
1's= 60^0
60's= 60^1
3600's= 60^2
Mayan Numeration (modified base 20):
1's= 20^0
20's= 20^1
*** [Here is where the system modifies]
360's= 20 x 18
7200's= 20^2 x18
144000's= 20^3 x 18
These concepts will help you easily create your own Key or Legend to help translate 'mere pictures' into the numbers and logic that we understand today.
If only we earned an astonished man for giving the gift of knowledge, on the other hand, I'm pretty astonished that I can understand myself!
Now that i've re-read your blog, after reading some others, i understand that you arn't trying to "teach" me math in this blog, but help me break down what latent issues i should review. good job.
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