Ethnomathematics Digital Library (EDL)

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Subject: Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero

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Ancient Egyptian concept of zero and the Egyptian symbol for zero: a note on a little known African achievement
by Beatrice Lumpkin (1996)
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/ISGEm/084.htm]
This article describes two sources that may show the existence of the concept of zero in Egypt, a society commonly believed to have a number system without a zero placeholder. The first source is in the leveling of large stones in construction; the second relates to remainders in bookkeeping. Historians are encouraged to re-examine the records of ancient cultures for other overlooked mathematical ideas. Other terms: papyri, hieroglyph, pyramid. (Includes 6 references)
Subject: Mathematics History,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero
Geographical area: Egypt (Ancient)
Cultural group: Egyptian

Development of mathematics in ancient China
[http://saxakali.com/COLOR_ASP/chinamh1.htm]
This website gives a simplified overview of the history of mathematics in China. It contains information and links to websites on counting boards (abacus), the discovery of zero, Chinese mathematics texts, the Chinese calendar, and a Chinese history timetable. Other terms: Shang dynasty, numerals, Yin, Yang, calculation, religion, astronomy, water control, numeration symbols, oracle bones, decimal system, positional value system, canals, dams, magic square.
Subject: Mathematical Tools and Devices>Abacus,
Mathematics History,
Numbers and Computation>Measurement>Time>Calendar Development,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero
Geographical area: China
Cultural group: Chinese

Hindu-Arabic numerals
by M. Woodcock
[http://www.maths.wlv.ac.uk/mm2217/han.htm]
This webpage offers a condensed history of Hindu-Arabic numerals. Other terms: number symbols, Sanskrit, Brahmi numerals, place-value system, counting system, zero, Al-Khouarizmi.
Subject: Mathematics History,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero
Geographical area: India
Cultural group: Arab, Hindu

History topics: Babylonian mathematics
by John O'Connor (2000)
[http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Indexes/Babylonians.html]
This website contains an overview of Babylonian mathematics, with links to in-depth analyses of Babylonian numerals and Pythagoras’s theorem in Babylonian mathematics. The history of zero covers Mesopotamia, Greece, India, the Mayan people in Central America, China, and Europe. Links also give access to bibliographies of mathematicians, such as Cardan, Ch'in, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta. Examples of written numbers using the cuneiform symbols in the sexigesimal system are included. Other terms: algorithm, reciprocals, geometry, quadratic equation, square root, fractions, finger counting, decimal system, Yale tablet, Plimpton 322, Susa tablet, Tell Dhibayi tablet, triangle, Mahavira. (Includes 104 references)
Subject: Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Triangles>Pythagorean Theorem,
Mathematics History,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero
Geographical area: Babylonia, Iran, Mesopotamia
Cultural group: Babylonian, Mesopotamian

Mayan numbers
by Paula Giese (1996)
[http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maya/mayatab2.html]
This webpage contains the Mayan numbers from zero to twenty. Other term vixagesimal.
Subject: Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero
Geographical area: Central America
Cultural group: Mayan (Native American - Mexico and Central America)

Science of the people: Goals 2000 - Partnerships for Educating Colorado Students
by Dorotha Hogue (1999)
[http://www.dpsk12.org/programs/almaproject/pdf/Scienceof%20People.pdf]
This instructional unit of 10 lessons highlights Latino contributions in science. Activities and worksheets are designed to help grade 8-10 students recognize their scientific potential and begin thinking scientifically; they measure, problem solve, and communicate as part of the scientific process. Lesson 2 on Mayan mathematics provides worksheets on the Mayan zero place holder and adding with Mayan numerals. Lesson 3 on Aztec measurement provides an activity on measuring property boundaries using the quahuitl. Later lessons focus on Latino scientists. Lessons outline standards, benchmarks, objectives, instructional strategies, activities, materials, and assessment. Other terms: Olmec, Yucatan, Tenochtitlan, accounting, solar calendar, astronomy, solstice, farming, numeration, base 20 number system, calculation, unit of measure, tax. (Includes 7 references)
Subject: Cultural Context>Influence of Culture on Teaching Mathematics>Culturally-based Instruction,
Cultural Context>Cultural Perspectives on Mathematics,
Numbers and Computation>Measurement>Units of Measurement>Nonstandard Units,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Famous Numbers>Zero,
Numbers and Computation>Number Concepts>Natural Numbers>Counting
Geographical area: Mexico
Cultural group: Aztecs (Native American - Mexico), Latino (see also Hispanic American), Mayan (Native American - Mexico and Central America)

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