Mayan numerals for children

Quick answer

Mayan numerals are a number system that uses dots, bars, and a shell symbol to represent numbers, just like we use the numbers 0 to 9. The Mayans used this system over 1,000 years ago in Central America.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how the Mayan number system works using dots, bars, and a shell symbol, and you will be able to write numbers from 1 to 20 using their symbols.

Success signs:

• You can draw the Mayan symbols for numbers 1 to 20
• You can read numbers written in Mayan numerals
• You can explain how the Mayan system is different from our number system
• You can use Mayan numerals to solve simple addition problems

Why this matters

Learning about Mayan numerals helps us understand how different cultures thought about numbers and maths. It shows us that there are many ways to represent numbers, and that maths is a universal language, even when it looks very different. You might use these ideas when learning about place value or patterns in numbers. The Mayan system also helps us appreciate ancient history and the ingenuity of people who lived long before us.

How it works

The Mayan number system is a base-20 system, which means it uses 20 different symbols instead of 10 like we do. Here are the three main symbols:

1. Dots (•) = 1
2. Bars (—) = 5
3. Shell symbol (○) = 0

Numbers are written vertically, with the smallest value at the bottom. Each level is worth 20 times more than the one below it. So the first level is units (1s), the second level is 20s, the third is 400s, and so on.

Examples you can see

Let's look at how numbers from 1 to 20 are written in Mayan numerals:

Try drawing these numbers yourself. You can use small circles for dots, lines for bars, and a circle with a hole for the shell symbol.

Try it as a mini adventure

Mayan Number Quest

You are a young explorer in ancient Maya land. You've found a treasure chest, but it only opens when you correctly read the numbers on the lock. Each number is written in Mayan numerals. Your mission is to unlock the chest by reading these numbers:

1. Number 13
   How many dots and bars do you need? Draw them!
2. Number 8
   What combination of dots and bars makes 8?
3. Number 17
   Can you write 17 using Mayan symbols?
4. Number 20
   How do you write 20 in Mayan numerals?

After you've drawn the numbers, try adding them together using the same method. For example, 8 + 13 = ?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that dots and bars are the same as our numbers
  Why it happens: Children might confuse the symbols with our numbers
  Fix: Remember that dots = 1, bars = 5, and the shell = 0
• Mistake: Not understanding that symbols are written vertically
  Why it happens: Children might try to read symbols from left to right like normal numbers
  Fix: The smallest value goes at the bottom, and each level is worth 20 times more
• Mistake: Mixing up 0 and 1
  Why it happens: The shell symbol looks like a zero, but it's not the same as our zero
  Fix: Remember the shell symbol means "nothing" or "zero" in this system

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand Mayan numerals by:

1. Using physical objects: Use small stones or counters for dots, and matchsticks or straws for bars
2. Building with blocks: Create towers with 5 blocks for bars and 1 block for dots to show how numbers are made
3. Practising together: Draw the symbols and write numbers from 1 to 20
4. Connecting to maths: Talk about how different number systems are used in history
5. Encouraging creativity: Let them invent their own number system with symbols

Remember, it's okay if they make mistakes. They're learning about how numbers work in a new way. Don't rush them – let them explore and discover!

Practice questions

1. How do you write the number 7 in Mayan numerals?
2. What number does this symbol represent: •—?
3. Draw the Mayan symbols for the number 12.
4. What number is shown by this pattern: ——•?
5. How would you write 18 in Mayan numerals?

Answers:

1. One dot above two bars (•
   —
   —)
2. Number 6
3. Three bars with one dot on top (•
   —
   —
   —)
4. Number 11
5. Three bars with three dots on top (•
   •
   •
   —
   —
   —)

FAQ

Why did the Mayans use a base-20 system?

The Mayans used base-20 because they counted on their fingers and toes, which gives 20 total points.

How were Mayan numerals used in real life?

They used them for tracking time, counting calendar days, measuring land, and keeping records of trade and taxes.

Are Mayan numerals still used today?

No, they are not used today, but they are studied by historians and mathematicians to understand ancient cultures.

Can I use Mayan numerals in a game or puzzle?

Yes! You can create puzzles or games where players have to read or write numbers in Mayan numerals.

What's the biggest number the Mayans could write?

They could write very large numbers using up to 5 levels, but the largest commonly used numbers were in the hundreds and thousands.