Let’s explore last week’s theme of Math.

The word Mathematics comes from the Greek μάθημα (máthēma), which in ancient Greek means “that which is learnt”.

The basics of math, counting, can be traced to prehistoric peoples, but more complex math did not appear until 3000 BC with the Babylonians and the Ancient Egyptians.

The most widely used number system is the Hindu-Arabic Numeral System which was invented in the 5th century by two Indian Mathematicians. Their system was based on nine and it wasn’t until a century later that a symbol for zero was introduced, giving us 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

The Abacus, also known as a counting frame, has unknown origins and was widely used centuries before the invention of the Hindu-Arabic Numeral System.

The world of math is showing no sign of slowing down, with discoveries being made every year, and increasing challenges being set by the rapidly expanding tech and data industries. If you are interested in brushing up on your math skills or need to explore certain topics such as algebra and calculus for the first time then we recommend you take a look at our series of free math courses.

For this Weekend Assignment your task, should you choose to accept it, is to learn something around the theme of Writing.

Share what you learn with us on Twitter by tagging us and using #SaylorAssignment or start the conversation on Discourse.