Analyze the Gupta Empire of India (c. 320-550 CE) as the INDIAN MATHEMATICAL GOLDEN AGE — Aryabhata 476-550 CE, decimal place value with zero as a numeral, π estimation, foundational positional algebra — refusing the Eurocentric chronology that calls the SAME century 'the Dark Ages'
Exercise
Difficulty 3
~8 min
hist.g6.s.ex_18
Computation In Multiple Systems
Prompt
Compute 9,847 in THREE numeral systems: (a) Hindu-Arabic; (b) Roman numerals; (c) Mayan vigesimal Long Count notation. Reflect: which is easiest to read at a glance? Which is easiest to do arithmetic in?
How it's presented
mode
manipulative
tool
MG-20 reference
Answer criteria
type
computation check
correct
- roman
- IXDCCCXLVII or MMMMMMMMMDCCCXLVII
- reflection
- Hindu-Arabic + Mayan vigesimal support algorithmic arithmetic; Roman does not
- hindu arabic
- 9,847
- mayan vigesimal
- 1,12,12,7 = 1*8000 + 12*400 + 12*20 + 7 = 9,847
Hints
- MG-20 + MG-14 displayed.
- Hindu-Arabic and Mayan vigesimal are both positional with zero; Roman is not.
Misconceptions to watch
- Forgetting that Roman numerals lack positional value
Used in lessons