Skip to main content

A brief history of numerical systems - Alessandra King

1,062,636 Views

31,267 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... and 0. With just these ten symbols, we can write any rational number imaginable. But why these particular symbols? Why ten of them? And why do we arrange them the way we do? Alessandra King gives a brief history of numerical systems.

The number zero is such a fascinating number that many books have been written about it. Briefly explain why it was such an important breakthrough for the number system we use today.

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alessandra King
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Producer Zedem Media
  • Illustrator Jeanne Bornet
  • Animator Maria Savva
  • Sound Designer Andreas Trachonitis
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

More from Math In Real Life