Comparison Between Egyptian and Indian Mathematics
Criteria | Egyptian Mathematics | Ancient Indian Mathematics |
---|---|---|
Images | ![]() | ![]() |
Achievements |
Evidence of some mathematical knowledge, but contribution to modern
arithmetic only evident in the Ptolemaic Period
| Major contributions to the development of modern mathematics
|
Number System |
- Systems were not well suited for arithmetical calculations, addition of numerals was quite satisfactory, multiplication and division were essentially impossible. - Since trade required dealing with fractions, multiplication and division, Egyptians devised methods of multiplication and division which only involved addition. | - Hindu-Arabic numerals are considered an important milestone in the development of mathematics. |
Numeral Hieroglyphs
- Developed in 3200 BC (Early Dynastic Period) and carved in stone
- 7 Symbols
- For example 5120 is written as
- The higher number is written to the left of the lower number
- Where there is more than one row of numbers reading starts at the top.
Hieratic Numerals
- 36 Symbols
- No positional system - numerals could be written in any order.
For example 5120 is written as :
or