Question

QUESTION TWO

2.1 Do research on the advantages of the Hindu Arabic numeration system compared
to the Roman numeral system. Write a paragraph of approximately 120 words in
(6)
which you discuss three advantages.

Answer 1

The Hindu Arabic numeration system, which uses a base-10 positional notation, has several advantages over the Roman numeral system. One of the main advantages is that the Hindu Arabic system is much more efficient for performing arithmetic operations, as each digit can represent a specific value, allowing for easier addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Additionally, the Hindu Arabic system has a clear and consistent symbol for zero, which is essential for advanced mathematical calculations, but is absent in the Roman numeral system. Another advantage of the Hindu Arabic system is that it is much easier to read and write, as the symbols are simple and intuitive, whereas Roman numerals can be difficult to interpret, especially for larger numbers. Overall, the Hindu Arabic numeration system is more versatile, efficient, and user-friendly than the Roman numeral system.

Source:

Stigler, S. M. (1984). What is a number system? In P. M. Cohn (Ed.), A history of mathematics (pp. 408-426). New York, NY: Wiley.