MATHEMATICS
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MAYA CALENDAR, MATH AND ASTRONOMY
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The Maya developed a mathematical system that was the basis for many future civilizations.They developed the concept of zero, had a base-20 computational system, and were able to do very complex mathematical calculations.
Another interesting is that they counted going up and down instead of left to right like we do today. This advanced method of math enabled the Maya people to develop calendars based on astrological observations and a complex understanding of concepts and counting.
The Maya also had a system based on place value and zero, but with one
major difference. Their system is base 20. The Maya wrote the numbers
from 1 to 19 using bars and dots; a dot symbolizes units of 1 and a bar has
the value of a unit of 5. Shown this page are the numbers from 0 to 19.
To express larger numbers, the Maya used the same kind of place
notation as we do. However, in a base-20 system, each place is based on a
multiple of 20. Thus, the number 328 in a base-20 system represents 3
times a unit of 400 (20 x 20), plus 2 times a unit of twenty, plus 8 times a
unit of one. The base-20 number 328 represents 1248 if written using a
decimal system.
Sometimes the Maya represented
numbers by using hieroglyphs rather
than bars and dots. These could take
the form of the heads or entire figures
of gods.
TRY YOUR HAND AT MAYA MATH.
What would you be if you studied Mathematics?
A Mathematician is a person who studies mathematics.