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News: Aztec Math Used Hearts and Arrows

Posted April 04, 2008 8:46 AM

From Scientific American:

The Aztecs had more numbers than we do, or at least symbols denoting numerical concepts. When it came to measuring land--critical for levying the proper tax or tribute--these medieval Mesoamericans used arrows, hearts, hands and other units representing fractions, according to a new study in Science.

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Sparkstation
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#1

Re: News: Aztec Math Used Hearts and Arrows

04/04/2008 11:49 PM

Interesting article on mensuration.

It is easier to relate to "common measure" - inch, foot, cubit, mile, than artificial ones like : metres, and their variants, which bear no relation to the immediately evident.

Kind Regards....

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agua_doc
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Re: News: Aztec Math Used Hearts and Arrows

04/05/2008 3:10 PM

100% Total Agreement.

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user-deleted-1105
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Re: News: Aztec Math Used Hearts and Arrows

04/05/2008 5:56 AM

Either the 'Arrow' or the 'Heart' definition is complete bollocks as they are virtually the same!
Slaps furry head with paw.
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