September 2022 - Math Problem

The Mayan Mathematics Page on The Story Of Mathematics website includes this chart that shows how to convert numbers from the Arabic system that we normally use to the Mayan Base 20 Number System.

In the Mayan number system, numbers are written in columns.  If there are three parts to a number, the top part is multiplied by 20 squared, the middle part is multiplied by 20.  These are then added to the bottom part to get the number.  For example, the Mayans used a dot for one, a horizontal line for 5, two horizontal lines for 10 and three horizontal lines for 15.  The number 433 is one dot on the top, one dot in the middle and 3 dots and two lines at the bottom.  This means 1 x20 squared plus 1 x 20 plus 13 which gives 433.

How would you write the number 374 using this number system?

Solution 

The number 374 would be written with 3 dots on top and 3 lines and the bottom has 4 dots and 2 lines underneath.  How would you write the number 8104? 

 

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