Ancient Numeral Systems Maths Quiz

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| By Catherine Halcomb
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Catherine Halcomb
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Ancient Numeral Systems Maths Quiz - Quiz

Play this Maths quiz based on ancient numeral systems and check whether you know about the earliest number systems or not. The earliest numeral systems were used in the form of tally marks, initially written on stones and later on potters. Do you have any idea about such a system? If yes, take up the quiz below and test your knowledge. Also, it will make you aware of the history and basics of ancient number systems. Good luck, buddy!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following is an ancient number system?

    • A.

      Cardinal

    • B.

      Babylonian

    • C.

      Binomial

    Correct Answer
    B. Babylonian
    Explanation
    The Babylonian number system is an ancient number system that was used by the ancient Babylonians around 2000 BCE. It was a base-60 system, which means it used a combination of symbols to represent numbers up to 59. This system was widely used in ancient Mesopotamia and was highly advanced for its time, allowing for complex mathematical calculations and astronomical observations. The other options, Cardinal and binomial, are not ancient number systems but rather concepts in mathematics.

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  • 2. 

    Which ancient number system uses 60 as the base?

    • A.

      Roman

    • B.

      Sumerian

    • C.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    B. Sumerian
    Explanation
    The Sumerian number system uses 60 as the base. This system is known as sexagesimal and is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia. The use of base 60 allowed the Sumerians to easily perform calculations involving fractions and divisions. This number system is still used today in measuring time (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour) and in measuring angles (360 degrees in a circle). The Roman number system, on the other hand, uses base 10.

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  • 3. 

    The invention of numbers took place when people started .....

    • A.

      Writing books.

    • B.

      Trading with each other. 

    • C.

      Eating.

    Correct Answer
    B. Trading with each other. 
    Explanation
    The invention of numbers took place when people started trading with each other. This is because trading requires a system of measurement and record-keeping, which led to the development of numbers. By assigning numerical values to goods and services, people were able to keep track of transactions and establish a fair exchange. This invention was crucial for the advancement of commerce and economic systems.

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  • 4. 

    The clocks use ___ as a base for recording time.

    • A.

      60

    • B.

      100

    • C.

      20

    Correct Answer
    A. 60
    Explanation
    The clocks use 60 as a base for recording time because there are 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute. This system of timekeeping, known as the sexagesimal system, has been used for centuries and is widely accepted worldwide. It allows for easy conversion between hours, minutes, and seconds, making it a practical choice for measuring and recording time.

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  • 5. 

    This is an example of _____ numeral system.

    • A.

      Sumerian

    • B.

      Chinese

    • C.

      Roman

    Correct Answer
    A. Sumerian
    Explanation
    This question is asking for the name of the numeral system that is being referred to. The correct answer is Sumerian.

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  • 6. 

    Egyptians used ______ pictures to denote numbers.

    • A.

      Hieroglyphic

    • B.

      Roman

    • C.

      Algebra

    Correct Answer
    A. Hieroglyphic
    Explanation
    The Egyptians used hieroglyphic pictures to denote numbers. Hieroglyphics were a system of writing that used symbols or pictures to represent words, sounds, or ideas. In the case of numbers, the Egyptians would use specific hieroglyphic symbols to represent different numerical values. This allowed them to communicate and record numerical information in their written language.

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  • 7. 

    This is an example of ______ number system.

    • A.

      Roman

    • B.

      Egyptian

    • C.

      Chinese

    Correct Answer
    B. Egyptian
    Explanation
    This question is asking for the name of a number system, and the correct answer is "Egyptian". The Egyptian number system was used by ancient Egyptians and was based on hieroglyphic symbols. It was a decimal system that used different symbols to represent different powers of 10. This system was used for thousands of years in ancient Egypt before being replaced by other number systems.

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  • 8. 

    Some historians think that 60 was used as a base because ______

    • A.

      It was easy to write the number 60.

    • B.

      It was divided by many numbers.

    • C.

      It was divided by 6.

    Correct Answer
    B. It was divided by many numbers.
    Explanation
    Some historians believe that 60 was used as a base because it was divisible by many numbers. This made calculations and measurements easier, as there were more factors to work with. Additionally, the use of 60 as a base allowed for simpler fractions and more accurate representations of fractions.

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  • 9. 

    Each number in the Chinese number system was represented by a separate ____

    • A.

      Word 

    • B.

      Symbol

    • C.

      Comma

    Correct Answer
    A. Word 
    Explanation
    In the Chinese number system, each number is represented by a separate word. This means that instead of using numerical digits like in the decimal system, Chinese numbers are expressed using specific words for each number. For example, the number 1 is represented by the word "yī," the number 2 by "èr," and so on. This system allows for a unique and distinct representation of numbers in the Chinese language.

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  • 10. 

    A _______ studies about life, events and objects related to ancient time.

    • A.

      Historian

    • B.

      Mathematician

    • C.

      Geologist

    Correct Answer
    A. Historian
    Explanation
    A historian is a person who studies and analyzes information about past events, people, and civilizations. They research and interpret historical documents, artifacts, and records to gain a better understanding of ancient times. They focus on the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of different societies and use this knowledge to reconstruct and explain the past. Historians play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge about our collective history.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 23, 2022
    Quiz Created by
    Catherine Halcomb
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