Numbering Systems Research Pathfinder

WJHS Pathfinder for Algebra I B

Numbering Systems

Assignment

Topics

Searching the Shelves

Learning Research
Hub

Internet Sites

Assignment

Objective: To research a numbering system used by an early civilization.

Requirements:

1. Throughout history, various civlizations have used different systems of numeration.
Research an early numbering system from the list below (see Topics).

        2. Draw a complete set of numbers in your selected system on posterboard.
             BE CREATIVE!!!! Include on your posterboard a bibliography
             (see Works Cited Format) listing where you searched on the web, and at least
             one other source (book, encyclopedia, magazine, etc.)

3. Develop simple addition and subtraction problems in your selected number system.

4. Make a 2-3 minute presentation to the class. Be sure to prepare one or two
practice problems for the class to do after your presentation.

Topics

Early Civilizations

African
Arabic
Armenian
Babylonian
Chinese
Egyptian
Gothic
Greek
Hindu/Brahmi
Incan
Mayan
Old English
Roman
Runes
Sanskrit
Thai
Tibetan

Searching the Shelves

All computers in the library can access the Media Center's Electronic Card Catalog. It is located
on the Global Access Menu under Media Center Programs. The Catalog identifies all the holdings
(books, etc.) of the WJHS Media Center. It is also possible to search for materials on the
MCPS Library Catalog Online. Be sure to set the limits of your search to Walter Johnson HS only.

If you wish to expand your research use this link to Other Libraries. This link provides direct
connections to the Montgomery County Public Library system, as well as libraries at NIH,
University of Maryland, the Library of Congress and others.

For this assignment, look in the 500's when browsing the shelves.

Learning Research Hub

Walter Johnson’s Learning Research Hub provides access to a catalog of all books and materials
located in the Media Center, and to a wide variety of general and subject-based online reference
materials. The links below provide useful research tools for this project.

General Resources
Encyclopedia, Almanacs, Dictionaries, Atlases

Science Resources

News & Magazine Resources

Internet Sites

Use the following Internet Sites for information on this project. If you discover other useful
Internet sites complete the Internet Checklist (copies available in Media Center) to authenticate
the site.

World Cultures in the Mathematics Class

History of Mathematics archive

Babylonian and Egyptian mathematics