Arabic Numerals

Pronunciation: /ˈær.ə.bɪk ˈnum.rəlz/ Explain

Arabic numerals are the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Arabic numerals are also called Hindu-Arabic numerals. Systems for writing down numbers (called numeration systems) were developed over many thousands of years. The decimal numeration system we use today was originally developed in India.

The decimal system originated with Hindu mathematicians living in ancient India about 500 CE. This system was adopted by Persian mathematicians, and later Arab mathematicians. These numerals came to Europe in the tenth century (900-999 CE). These ten digits are now used throughout the world, with many languages and peoples.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, arabic numerals. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 18. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

More Information

• McAdams, David E.. Decimal Number. allmathwords.org. Life is a Story Problem LLC. 6/19/2018. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/d/decimalnumber.html.
• J J O'Connor and E F Robertson. The Arabic numeral system. www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk. School of Mathematics and Statistics University of St Andrews, Scotland. 6/19/2018. http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/HistTopics/Arabic_numerals.html.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Arabic Numerals. 12/21/2018. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/a/arabicnumerals.html.

Revision History

12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
6/14/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)