1. Here is a number system for you to examine and compare with the number system we use today. The Egyptians had a number system based on hieroglyphs (pictures representing words) from around 3000 BC. Examine the hieroglyphs and try to write the numbers using their symbols.
The Egyptians had a decimal system using seven different symbols.
1 is shown by a single stroke. 10 is shown by a drawing of a hobble for cattle.
100 is represented by a coil of rope.
1000 is a drawing of a lotus plant. a) 3
e) 21 i) 78
m) 469 b) 9
f) 35 j) 93
n) 531
c) 12 g) 47
k) 170 o) 764
d) 17 h) 54
l) 235 p) 3742
2. Have a go at writing these Egyptian hieroglyphs in our number system. The first two have been done for you.
a) = 3244 c) e) d) f) b) = 21237
Strand: Number 10
Curriculum Objectives: Read, write and order whole numbers and decimals; identify place value in whole numbers and decimals; round decimals.