Mayan Mathematics
Explore the fascinating number system and mathematical concepts used by the ancient Maya civilization.
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Mayan Mathematics
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Learn about the Mayan number system!
The ancient Maya people had a very unique way of writing numbers. They used only three symbols:
A dot (•) for 1
A bar (—) for 5
A shell or zero symbol (looks like a football) for 0
They would combine these symbols to make larger numbers. For example, two dots would be 2, and a bar with two dots would be 7.
1. In Mayan mathematics, a dot (•) represents the number .
2. A bar (—) in the Mayan number system stands for the number .
3. The Mayan symbol for zero looks like a .
4. What Mayan number would be represented by three dots (•••)?
1
3
5
10
5. Which number is represented by a single bar (—) and one dot (•) stacked on top?
4
5
6
11
6. The Maya used a number system based on 10, just like we do today.
True
False
7. The Maya were one of the first civilizations to use the concept of zero.
True
False
8. Why do you think the Maya used a number system with only three symbols? What might be easy or hard about it?