MIP1501 Assignment 2 Due 15 June 2024

Question 1 (24)

1.1. Compare the Egyptian and the Babylonian numeration systems in terms of the
number of symbols, functionality, and possible uses.

Number of Symbols:

Egyptian System: The Egyptian numeration system utilized a variety of symbols, each
representing different powers of 10. For example, they had distinct symbols for 1, 10,
100, 1000, and so on, up to very large numbers. This resulted in a relatively large
number of symbols needed to represent numbers.
Babylonian System: The Babylonian numeration system, on the other hand, employed
only two symbols for basic numerals, one for tens and one for ones. This simplicity
allowed them to represent a wide range of numbers with just two symbols.
Functionality:

Egyptian System: The Egyptian system was not positional, meaning the value of a
symbol depended on its placement rather than its inherent value. This made arithmetic