History of Number

The Egyptians had a bases 10 system of hieroglyphs for numerals. By this we mean that they has separate symbols for one unit, one ten, one hundred, one thousand, one ten thousand, one hundred thousand, and one million. (St Andrews University)

I think this site to be a good resource for teachers and for upper KS2 and KS3 pupils. Plenty of investigations to do in this area of maths. The page also explores some of the history of Egyptian Maths. 

Practical activities - make a cubit measure, an Egyptian equation quilt and compare and contrast the temperature in Cairo.

Can you estimate the cost of building an Egyptian pyramid (using modern materials and ancient methods) and create a scale drawing and model? Pupils can utilize their math, social studies, and science skills.

Discovery of zero rather wordy - but gives all the necessary background.

A mathematical journey through time from 3000BCE (Before Current Era) to 1990CE (Current Era). Not just number.

Another look at the base 10 of Ancient Egyptian maths.

This Egyptian site from the British Museum is superb - check out the Time site.

A first rate site from Suzanne Alejandre links to Information on Number Systems - Arabic, Babylonian, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Mayan and Roman. 

Six different ancient number systems written by pupils.

Roman numeral conversion Enter any number smaller than 4000 to display it in Roman numerals.

Download a working Roman Numeral DIGITAL clock!

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