How to Perform Basic Math with the Maya Numeral System

The Maya numeral system, a unique vigesimal base-20 system, has a rich history and is still fascinating today. This ancient system combines dots, bars, and a shell symbol to represent numbers, offering a visually intuitive method that is both challenging and rewarding to master. Below, we will delve into the basics of how to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with the Maya numeral system.

Symbols Used in the Maya Numeral System

The Maya numeral system is based on a combination of three distinct symbols:

Dot (?): Represents 1. Bar (—): Represents 5. Shell (?): Represents 0 and is only used in the context of place value.

Basic Representation of Numbers

NumberMaya Representation 1 to 4Dots e.g. 3 is represented by three dots: ? ? ? 5One bar — 6 to 9A bar plus dots e.g. 8 is one bar and three dots: — ? ? ? 10Two bars —— 15Three bars ——— 20A new position represented by a single dot in the next higher level

Place Value in the Maya Numeral System

The Maya numeral system is structured into vertical positions:

The bottom level represents units 1 to 19. The next level represents 20s (20 to 399). The third level represents 400s (400 to 7999) and so on.

Basic Operations

Addition

Align the numbers vertically. Add the dots and bars: Combine dots and bars in each level. If a level exceeds 4 dots, convert them into a bar. If a level reaches 5 bars, convert them into a dot in the next level. Example: To add 7 — and 5 —: Combining the numbers: — — 2 bars and 2 dots, which is 12.

Subtraction

Align the numbers vertically. Subtract from the bottom up: Borrow from higher levels if necessary. Remember to convert bars back to dots if subtracting from a bar. Example: To subtract 3 from 10 ——: Start with 10: —— Remove 3 dots: ——

Multiplication and Division

These operations are more complex and often require repeated addition or subtraction. The basic principles are similar:

Multiplication: Add a number to itself repeatedly. Division: Subtract the divisor from the dividend until you reach zero, counting how many times you can subtract.

Example of Addition

Let's add 14 —— and 9 —:

Represent the numbers: 14: —— 9: — Combine the numbers: 2 bars 10 4 dots 4 18 ——— Result: 18 is represented as ———.

Conclusion

The Maya numeral system is visually intuitive and requires practice to become fluent. Start with simple operations and as you become comfortable, work up to more complex calculations!