Question 12 of 21beginner💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Can there be a number whose representation in Egyptian numerals has one of the symbols occurring 10 or more times? Why not?

Correct Answer

No

Explanation:

The Egyptian system is a base-10 system where each landmark number is 10 times the previous one.

If any symbol appears 10 times, those 10 symbols are regrouped into 1 symbol of the next higher landmark number.

Examples of regrouping:

  • 10 strokes (1s) become 1 arch (10)
  • 10 arches become 1 coiled rope (100)
  • And so on...

∴ This regrouping ensures that no symbol ever appears 10 or more times in a properly formed Egyptian numeral.

Exercise: Figure it Out (Section 7) | Q: 1 | (Page Page 22)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter explains that the Egyptian number system is a base-10 system where landmark numbers are powers of 10. When performing arithmetic operations like addition, if any symbol appears 10 or more times, they are regrouped into the next higher landmark symbol. This property is fundamental to base systems and ensures efficient representation.

Solution Steps

  1. The Egyptian numeral system is a base-10 system where each landmark number is 10 times the previous one.

  2. When any symbol appears 10 times, those symbols are regrouped into 1 symbol of the next higher landmark number.

  3. Example: 10 strokes (1s) become 1 arch (10).

  4. Example: 10 arches become 1 coiled rope (100).

  5. This regrouping ensures no symbol ever appears 10 or more times in a properly formed Egyptian numeral.

PreviousNext