h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Numeral Shapes - A695973
Author: pikachurinpoche - U189692

Is this okay?

Thanks.

Hi pikachurinpoche!

I'd like to see some historical evidence of this. How do you know? What's the earliest recording of such numerals? Who used them? When did they start to change to the numbers we use today? Where can examples be seen today?

I know that the numbers we use today are of Arabic origin, as opposed to the Roman numerals.

Hello Pikachurinpoche,

I agree with Zarquon's Fish. It's an interesting entr with interesting ideas, but I wonder where they came from. A little historical context and fleshing out of your concepts would be helpful. Are you asserting that '10' should look like a star based on your assertions that the foregoing numerals contained a number of angles equal to the amount the numeral represents? Are you commenting on someone else's assertion to that effect? If so, who? Why do they believe this about the numeral shapes? Is this a result of historical research? If so, which culture used numerals with these shapes? Where do the terms 'totality of base' and 'totality of square' originate?

Answering some of these questions would strengthen your entry.

-N.

Arabic origen. They used a dot for ten. They star, with no crossbars, has 10 angles. The stars normally drawn on paper have 25 angles.

I'll get the sources ASAP. I'll remove the entry until then.

Still, Pika

See above, first, please.

Totality of base and totality of square are my terms for the obvious. Mathematicians already know this, but I couldn't find terms and I needed them. I also talk about totality of cube. And I say things like 'the square root of every square is one side'. They are accurate. Do you have a problem with accurate, coined prases in the guide? Shall I get a note from my sons math professor?

I think I saw these old Arabic numerals in a Mensa quiz, but I'm not absolutely sure, so I'll find out. My sister will certainly remember if I can't find it.

Do you believe in Angels? Do you believe they can upload information into human brains? I don't suppose you'll accept the Angels as my source. Since it often is, sould I be posting to the alternatives section? Or maybe just keep to myself in my journal? Because you're not striking me as a believer and I don't want to offend your sensibilities.

Still, Karen

If anyone is thinking of taking this entry on, be warned! It does not seem to have any basis in fact. It's not something that the original researcher made up, because I've heard this theory too, from my teachers in school, but a bit of research shows that it is not true. The earliest forms of the arabic numerals had 1 line for 1, 2 lines for 2 and 3 lines for 3. Above that, the numbers were an assortment of curves and squiggles, but they did not have the number of angles given in this entry.