history of mathematics - National STEM Centre

14 Answers
Activity 2.1, page 13
1 a The table on the front tablet runs from
1,2,..., 14 on the left and 9, 18, ..., 126 on the right.
The reverse side runs from 15 to 23 on the left and 135,
in nines to 207 on the right.
b It is the nine times table.
2 The numbers from 1 to 23 are made by using the
symbols Y ar|d "^ standing for 1 to 10. The number 63
appears to be made by using the symbol Y followed by a
space, and then f f Y- The number system therefore is
based on base 60, with a space between the numbers in
the 60s place and the units place.
3 698
4 The Old Sumerians used a system based on 10 and 60
using symbols, instead of place value, to represent larger
numbers. The Babylonians adapted this to a system using
only two symbols, and relative position to indicate what
the symbols meant. However, there was still ambiguity in
the Babylonians' system.
Activity 2.2, page 14
1 It is the 25 times table. The numbers to the left are 1
to 15, and those to the right are 25, 50, ..., 375.
2 The right-hand number on the first line is "^ py^,
while the right-hand side of the penultimate line is
f^