Not sure where to start? These are the lessons and games we recommend most to students, parents and teachers on Basic-mathematics.com. Each lesson explains the topic in plain language, walks you through worked examples step by step, and ends with practice so you can check your understanding. Pick one below, or use the menu to find lessons on fractions, algebra, geometry, statistics and more.
Can you read Roman numerals, count like an Egyptian, or add in binary? Take the 10-question quiz to find out. Every answer is explained step by step, and you get 10 new questions each time you play.
Quiz completed … times
Loading…
Your score
Throughout history, many numeration systems have been developed to represent numbers. Today, the number system we are most familiar with is the Hindu-Arabic system, so we will start our discussion with it.
Tip: Study these units with confidence and with an open mind. Things that are unfamiliar may look complicated at first. Read the lessons more than once if something is unclear.
Our modern decimal system. It began in India, spread through Arab mathematicians, and is the numeral system used around the world today. Learn about its features. As you study the other systems, compare them to this one.
The simplest counting system, using marks to represent quantities. Learn about its simplicity and advantages, but also its flaws. Tally marks are still used a lot in statistics.
The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic system, with a different symbol for each power of ten, such as a heel bone, a lotus flower, and a fish. It is easy to understand, but calculations quickly become cumbersome.
The classic Roman numerals, still used for special occasions today. Many of us know them from books that use Roman numerals for page numbers. Explore them in more depth here!
The ancient Mesopotamian base-60 system that still shapes how we measure time and angles. It uses only two symbols for all numbers, but it is probably the most ambiguous of all numeration systems.
A base-20 (vigesimal) system developed by the Maya civilization. It uses only three basic symbols, yet it is one of the most sophisticated and complicated systems. Try to study it last.
Understand numbers in base 5 and their properties, with a clear explanation of how base 5 is similar to and different from base 10.
How to add numbers in base 5.
How to subtract numbers in base 5.
How to multiply numbers in base 5.
A solid and thorough introduction to the base-2 number system used in computers. Get ready to sweat and master the binary number system once and for all.
How to add numbers in binary.
How to subtract binary numbers.
How to multiply binary numbers.