2.2 Arithmetic of Babylonian Numbers (Lesson 5)

Addition and subtraction in Babylonian number system are pretty much similar to those in decimal number system i.e., using the method of carrying/borrowing digit.

Example 2.4.

Let's look at the following examples:

As for multiplication, Babylonians use a table which is similar to the "Times Table" we use nowadays.

Multiplication table in cuneiform tablets

Credit: "Introduction to Old Babylonian mathematics" by Eleanor Robson