Maya Number System

Front

What symbol represented zero in the Maya number system?

Back

Shell

Front

What symbol represented the number one in the Maya number system?

Back

Dot

Front

What symbol represented the number five in the Maya number system?

Back

Bar

Front

What was the staple crop (most important food source) for the Maya people?

Back

Maize (corn)

Front

What is the significance of the Maya number system in mathematics?

Back

It was one of the first number systems to include a symbol for zero, allowing for more complex calculations.

Front

How did the Maya represent numbers greater than 19?

Back

They used a vigesimal (base-20) system, combining dots, bars, and shells.

Front

What is the highest number that can be represented with three dots and two bars in the Maya number system?

Back

The number 17 (3 dots = 3, 2 bars = 10, total = 13).

Front

What role did astronomy play in the Maya number system?

Back

The Maya used their number system for astronomical calculations, including tracking celestial events.

Front

How did the Maya number system differ from the modern decimal system?

Back

The Maya number system was vigesimal (base-20) while the modern system is decimal (base-10).

Front

What is a vigesimal number system?

Back

A number system that is based on 20, using combinations of symbols to represent values.