A story of number class 8 Maths new ncert .pdf

The Class 8 math chapter "A Story of Numbers" traces the evolution of number systems, from early tally marks to the Indian system of 0-9, and its subsequent spread to the Arab world, and finally to Europe through mathematicians like Al-Khwārizmī and Fibonacci. The chapter highlights the ...

The Class 8 math chapter "A Story of Numbers" traces the evolution of number systems, from early tally marks to the Indian system of 0-9, and its subsequent spread to the Arab world, and finally to Europe through mathematicians like Al-Khwārizmī and Fibonacci. The chapter highlights the contributions of civilizations like Mesopotamia and India, the significance of the zero as a placeholder, and how this modern, efficient number system facilitated scientific and cultural progress over centuries.
Key Aspects of the Story of Numbers
Early Counting:
Early humans used simple methods like tally marks (on bones, sticks) to count objects.
Civilizational Contributions:
Mesopotamians (Babylonians): Developed a base-60 system and used place value concepts, influencing modern concepts like time (60 minutes) and angles (360°).
Mayans: Developed a place value system and were among the first to use a symbol for zero.
Indians: Invented the modern number system with 0-9, with the first written evidence in the Bakhshali manuscript. The mathematician Aryabhata fully explained and elaborated on its use.
Spread of the System:
To the Arab World: The Indian system was transmitted by around 800 CE and popularized by mathematicians like Al-Khwārizmī (whose name inspired "algorithm") and Al-Kindi.
To Europe: From the Arab world, the system moved to Europe around 1100 CE. While initially slow to adopt due to the ingrained nature of Roman numerals, it was championed by the Italian mathematician Fibonacci, eventually leading to widespread adoption by the 17th century for scientific progress.
Significance of Zero:
The invention of zero and the development of a place-value system were crucial innovations, allowing for efficient representation and calculation of numbers.