We currently use a ten-digit numbering system called decimal. With the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 we can form any number involving tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on. Even before the appearance of these numbers, other forms were developed and used by ancient civilizations. For example, the Babylonians, peoples of the Mesopotamian region (present-day Iraq), had an incredible mathematical ability.
Due to their accessible mathematical language, they mastered calculations and developed techniques for solving square and bisquare equations. And in the field of Geometry, they had formulas for calculating the areas and volumes of geometric solids.
The Babylonians, as well as other peoples in the Mesopotamian region, developed techniques for solving calculations involving multiplication and division, square root and cubic root, positional value of numbers, and created symbols responsible for expressing numbers involving units and dozens. The unit was associated with the symbol "v" and the ten to the symbol
3: vvv
4: vvv v
15: < vvv vv
21: << v
33: <<< vvv
48: <<< < vvv vvv vv
63: <<< <<< vvv
92: <<< <<< <<< vv
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
by Mark Noah
Graduated in Mathematics
Brazil School Team
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SILVA, Marcos Noé Pedro da. "Mathematics in the Mesopotamian Region"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/matematica/a-matematica-na-regiao-mesopotamica.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
