Objectives:

1. To introduce Mayan numerals
2. To learn the Arithmetic of Mayan numerals
3. To learn the Mayan calendar
4. To learn the history of the number system we use today
5. To discuss the concept of zero

3.1 Mayan number system (Lesson 6)

• The Mayan civilization originated in the area covered by some Mexican states and the Central American region, including the present-day nations of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and western Honduras. It reached its pinnacle of development from 250 AD to 900 AD, which is called the "Classic period" of Mayan civilization.
• It reached its pinnacle of development from 250 AD to 900 AD, which is called the "Classic period" of Mayan civilization.
• The number system used by the Mayan during this period was already very advanced. It is basically a base-20 number system (also called vigesimal system. Does this have some thing to do with the fact that we all have ten fingers and ten toes?). The following are 20 different Mayan numerals:

Credit: Wikipedia
• Notice that they are formed by combinations of three simple symbols: "shell" (=0), "dot" (=1) and "bar" (=5).
• The Mayan culture is also the the earliest ancient culture that uses zero as a symbol in its positional number system.