Key Concept: Historical Context of Numbers

d) Indians
[Solution Description]
The Indian civilization is credited with developing the modern numerical system, including the digit 0 (initially represented as a dot), around 2000 years ago. This system was later transmitted to the Arab world and then to Europe. The key figures in this transmission were Al-Khwārizmī and Fibonacci.

Key Concept: Early human need for counting

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that early humans needed to count livestock for trade and survival, which is true as per the syllabus. The reason given is that counting helped them track the number of animals they owned, which is also true and directly explains why they needed to count livestock.

Key Concept: Historical Number Systems

c) India
[Solution Description]
The Hindu-Arabic numeral system, which includes the digits 0 through 9, originated in India around 2000 years ago. It was later transmitted to the Arab world and then to Europe.

Key Concept: Purpose of Counting

c) To track food supplies
[Solution Description]
Ancient humans needed to count for various practical reasons, such as keeping track of food supplies, livestock, and trade goods. They also counted to track time and predict seasonal events.

Key Concept: Ancient Indian Numerals

c) A dot
[Solution Description]
In the Bakhshali manuscript, which dates back to the 3rd century CE, the digit zero was represented as a dot.

Key Concept: Mesopotamian numerals, Hindu-Arabic numeral system

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
First, let’s verify the Assertion: The Mesopotamian numeral system indeed used a base-60 (sexagesimal) system, while the Hindu-Arabic numeral system uses base-10. This part of the Assertion is true.
Now, examine the Reason: The base of numeral systems often reflects practical human needs. For example, base-10 is common due to counting on 10 fingers, while base-60 (used in Mesopotamia) may have been chosen for its divisibility (useful in astronomy and timekeeping). Thus, the Reason is also true.
Does the Reason correctly explain the Assertion? Yes, because the difference in bases between the two systems can be attributed to their different practical and cultural contexts, as stated in the Reason.
Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Key Concept: Spread of numerals, historical timelines

d) 17th century
[Solution Description]
The Hindu-Arabic numeral system was introduced to Europe by Fibonacci around 1200 CE but faced resistance. It became widely adopted only by the 17th century after overcoming initial skepticism and proving its efficiency in calculations.

Key Concept: Mesopotamian numerals, Indian numeral system, spread of numbers

a) 45
[Solution Description]
Mesopotamians used a base-60 (sexagesimal) system. The number 45 in their system would be represented as $45_{60}$. To convert to decimal, we calculate:
$4 \times 60^1 + 5 \times 60^0 = 4 \times 60 + 5 \times 1 = 240 + 5 = 245.$
However, the question asks for representing 45 in their symbols and converting back to decimal, so the correct answer is 45 itself.

Key Concept: Indian numeral system, evolution of zero

c) Defining arithmetic properties of zero
[Solution Description]
Brahmagupta formalized the arithmetic rules for zero as both a digit and a number. He defined operations like addition ($a + 0 = a$) and subtraction ($a – 0 = a$), which were crucial for modern mathematics. The Bakhshali manuscript introduced zero as a dot, but Brahmagupta expanded its use.

Key Concept: Place Value System

c) Place value system with base 10
[Solution Description]
The Hindu-Arabic numeral system is a positional or place value system where the position of a digit determines its value. It originated in India and includes the digit 0 as a placeholder and as a number.

Key Concept: Hindu Number System

d) Al-Khwārizmī
[Solution Description]
The Hindu number system was popularized in the Arab world by Al-Khwārizmī through his book “On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals” around 825 CE.

Key Concept: Origin of Numbers, Hindu-Arabic Numerals

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the digit 0 being introduced as a number revolutionized mathematics. This is true because, before its introduction, computations were limited. The Reason explains how zero was treated as a number with specific arithmetic properties, which is also true. Moreover, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion since these properties of zero enabled more advanced mathematical operations and theories to develop, such as algebra and analysis. Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: One-to-One Mapping, Roman Number System

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Roman number system is an unending standard sequence for counting because it introduces new symbols for larger numbers. This is true as the Roman system uses combinations of symbols (like I, V, X, L, C, D, M) to represent larger numbers. However, the Reason states that the Roman number system does not require an infinite set of unique symbols, which is also true but does not fully explain why it is considered “unending.” The system’s unending nature comes from its ability to combine existing symbols in specific ways, not merely from avoiding an infinite set of symbols. Hence, both are true, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.

Key Concept: One-to-one mapping, Roman numerals

c) 17
[Solution Description]
To solve this question, we need to understand the Roman numeral system representation mentioned in Method 3.
The Roman numeral “XVII” can be broken down as follows:
– X represents 10.
– V represents 5.
– II represents 2 (I + I).
Adding these together: $10 + 5 + 2 = 17$.
Therefore, “XVII” represents 17 sheep.

Key Concept: One-to-One Mapping

b) No pebble should be used more than once for mapping.
[Solution Description]
In the one-to-one mapping method, each object (stone in this case) is uniquely paired with another object (pebble). The total number of pebbles will exactly match the number of stones if the mapping is correctly done, ensuring no two stones are mapped to the same pebble and no pebble is left unmapped.

Key Concept: One-to-one mapping, Alphabet-based counting

c) 11
[Solution Description]
In Method 2, each letter of the alphabet represents a number starting from “a” as 1, “b” as 2, and so on.
The position of “k” in the English alphabet is the 11th letter.
Calculation:
– a = 1
– b = 2
– …
– k = 11
Therefore, the farmer has 11 chickens.

Key Concept: Counting Methods

b) It cannot count collections with more than 26 objects.
[Solution Description]
Using the English alphabet limits counting because there are only 26 distinct letters available. Therefore, collections larger than 26 objects cannot be counted using this method without repetition or modification of the sequence, making it impractical beyond small quantities.

Key Concept: Tally Marks

b) As a lunar calendar or counting aid.
[Solution Description]
The Lebombo bone’s notches suggest it might have been used as a lunar calendar, tracking phases of the moon over time. Alternatively, it could have served as a simple tally stick to count objects like days, animals, or resources, given the prehistoric context where such markers were common for record-keeping.

Key Concept: Assertion-Reason

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
The Mayan number system primarily used a base-20 system but introduced a third landmark number at 360, likely due to its calendar system. This made it not a pure base-20 system and complicated computations. Therefore, the Assertion is false as the system was not purely base-20, while the Reason correctly explains why the system was not purely base-20 due to the introduction of the 360 landmark number.

Key Concept: Roman Number System

c) MCMLXXXVII
[Solution Description]
The Roman number system uses the following symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). Numbers are formed by combining these symbols, where smaller numerals placed before larger ones are subtracted (e.g., IV = 4 or IX = 9).
To convert 1987 to Roman numerals:
1. Break down 1987: 1000 + 900 + 80 + 7.
2. 1000 is represented as M.
3. 900 is CM (1000 – 100).
4. 80 is LXXX (50 + 30, where 30 is XXX).
5. 7 is VII (5 + 2).
6. Combine all parts: MCMLXXXVII.
Thus, the correct representation is MCMLXXXVII.

Key Concept: Chinese Number System

b) 10
[Solution Description]
According to the syllabus, the Chinese rod numerals were a decimal (base-10) system with symbols for 1 to 9.

Key Concept: Mayan Number System

c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion is correct because the Mayan number system indeed used a dot for 1 and a bar for 5 for representing numbers from 1 to 19. However, the Reason is false because their system was not a strict base-20 system; it had modifications where landmark numbers included 360 and 7200 instead of powers of 20 beyond $20^1$.

Key Concept: Hindu Number System, Roman Number System

c) M
[Solution Description]
To solve this problem, we need to multiply the Roman numeral CXXV by 8, both in their respective forms.
Step 1: Convert the Roman numeral CXXV to its Hindu-Arabic equivalent.
– C = 100, X = 10, X = 10, V = 5.
– So, CXXV = 100 + 10 + 10 + 5 = 125.
Step 2: Multiply the Hindu-Arabic equivalent by 8.
– $125 \times 8 = 1000$.
Step 3: Convert the product back to Roman numerals.
– 1000 in Roman numerals is M.
Therefore, the correct answer is M.

Key Concept: Body Parts as Number Representation

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that in some cultures, the wrist represents the number 6 in their body-part counting system. This is true based on the provided syllabus example where counting starts with fingers (1-5) and then moves to wrist (6). The reason explains the standard sequence followed by such systems, starting with fingers and moving to other body parts, which is also correct. Moreover, the reason correctly explains why the wrist would represent 6, as it comes after counting all five fingers. Hence, both are true, and the reason provides the correct explanation for the assertion.

Key Concept: Body Parts Counting System, Limitations

b) Right elbow
[Solution Description]
To find the 50th count in a repeating sequence of 27 body parts:
Step 1: Divide 50 by 27 to find the complete cycles and remainder.
Step 2: $50 ÷ 27 = 1$ cycle with a remainder of $23$.
Step 3: The 50th count corresponds to the 23rd body part in the sequence.

Key Concept: Body-Part Number Representation

d) Index finger of the left hand
[Solution Description]
According to the given sequence, the number $4$ is represented by the index finger of the left hand.

Key Concept: Body Parts as Number Representation

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the little finger represents the number 1 in some early number systems, which is true based on the syllabus example. The reason states that counting starts with the smallest body part and progresses to larger ones. While this may be true in general, it does not specifically explain why the little finger represents 1. There could be other reasons for choosing the little finger first, such as cultural significance or ease of pointing. Therefore, both statements are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

Key Concept: Body part counting

c) 2 complete counts
[Solution Description]
First, we need to understand that one complete count means using all 10 fingers (both hands). To find out how many complete counts are needed for 15:
Step 1: Divide 15 by 10 (fingers per count) = 1.5 counts
Step 2: Since they can’t do half counts, they would need to round up to 2 complete counts (using fingers twice)

Key Concept: Body-Part Number Representation

b) Elbow of the left arm
[Solution Description]
According to the sequence, the number $7$ is represented by the elbow of the left arm.

Key Concept: Tally marks, Ishango bone, Lebombo bone

c) 35
[Solution Description]
First, calculate the count from the first column with 3 groups of 5 marks: $3 \times 5 = 15$. Then, calculate the count from the second column with 2 groups of 10 marks: $2 \times 10 = 20$. Add these two results to find the total count: $15 + 20 = 35$.

Key Concept: Lebombo bone, Tally marks

a) 5 groups, 4 marks
[Solution Description]
Divide 29 by 5 to find the number of complete groups and the remainder: $29 \div 5 = 5$ with a remainder of 4. So, there are 5 complete groups and 4 ungrouped marks.

Key Concept: Tally Marks and Early Number Systems

a) Representing lunar phases
[Solution Description]
The Ishango bone, discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, features notches arranged in columns. These markings are thought to represent numbers and may indicate a calendrical system or tally counting method.

Key Concept: Counting Methods

b) To make counting easier and more efficient
[Solution Description]
Early humans found it difficult to count more than 4 or 5 objects at a glance due to perceptual limits. Grouping tally marks in sets (e.g., 5) made counting and representation more efficient, leading to the development of more advanced number systems.

Key Concept: Historical Number Systems

c) It is among the earliest known tally systems
[Solution Description]
The Lebombo bone, found in South Africa, has 29 notches and is one of the oldest mathematical artifacts (around 44,000 years old). Its markings suggest it was used as a tally stick or lunar calendar.

Key Concept: Tally Marks on Bones and Other Surfaces

c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Ishango bone’s tally marks are arranged in columns, possibly indicating a calendrical system. Archaeological evidence supports this claim, as the notches on the Ishango bone are grouped in patterns that may represent lunar cycles or other time-keeping methods.
The Reason claims that tally marks on ancient bones were solely used for simple counting. However, this is false because archaeological findings like the Ishango and Lebombo bones suggest these tally marks had more complex uses beyond just counting, such as tracking lunar months or calendrical systems.
Thus, the Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.

Key Concept: Number names by counting in twos

c) ahage ahage ahage
[Solution Description]
From the syllabus:
– Bushmen represent numbers as follows:
1: tokale
2: ahage
3: ahage tokale (or ahawao)
4: ahage ahage tokale
5: ahage ahage ahage
So, 5 is directly given as ahage ahage ahage.

Key Concept: Number names by counting in twos, Bakairi system

b) t’oa-t’oa-t’oa-t’oa
[Solution Description]
The Bakairi system counts in twos:
1: xa
2: t’oa
3: ‘quo
4: t’oa-t’oa
5: t’oa-t’oa-t’a
6: t’oa-t’oa-t’oa
To represent 8, we note that 8 = 6 + 2. Since 6 is t’oa-t’oa-t’oa and 2 is t’oa, the logical extension would be t’oa-t’oa-t’oa-t’oa.

Key Concept: Roman Number System

c) XIV
[Solution Description]
In the Roman number system, 14 is represented by combining the symbols for 10 (X) and 4 (IV), giving XIV.

Key Concept: Gumulgal Number System, Counting in Twos

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the Gumulgal number system uses counting in twos for numbers up to 6 and labels anything above $6 \text{ as } \textit{ras}$. From the syllabus, this is correct, as $3 = 2 + 1$, $4 = 2 + 2$, etc., and numbers greater than 6 are indeed called $\textit{ras}$.
The reason explains that counting in groups like twos emerged due to human limitations in counting larger quantities without grouping. This is also true as per the syllabus, which mentions that most humans struggle to count groups of 5+ objects at a glance.
Furthermore, the reason correctly explains why counting in groups like twos became necessary, which aligns with the assertion about the Gumulgal system. Thus, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Key Concept: Number Names by Counting in Twos

c) They all represent numbers by counting in twos.
[Solution Description]
All three groups use a counting system based on grouping numbers in twos. Their number names are formed by combining words for smaller numbers (especially 2 and 1) to represent larger numbers.

Key Concept: Number Names by Counting in Twos

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Gumulgal number system uses counting in twos to form number names. This is true as per the syllabus, where it is mentioned that numbers are counted in 2s (e.g., $3 = 2 + 1$, $4 = 2 + 2$, etc.).
The Reason provides an example: the number name for 5 is ukasar-ukasar-urapon, which translates to 2 + 2 + 1. This correctly demonstrates the counting-in-twos pattern described in the Assertion. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Roman Numerals – Conversion

b) MDCCLXXXIX
[Solution Description]
To convert 1789 to Roman numerals, we break it down into landmark numbers:
1789 = 1000 (M) + 500 (D) + 200 (CC) + 50 (L) + 30 (XXX) + 9 (IX).
Combining these, we get MDCCLXXXIX.

Key Concept: Roman numerals arithmetic, addition

a) MCCXI
[Solution Description]
To add $DCCLXVII$ ($767$) and $CDXLIV$ ($444$):
1. Convert to Hindu-Arabic numerals: $DCCLXVII = 500 + 200 + 50 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 767$; $CDXLIV = (500 – 100) + (50 – 10) + (5 – 1) = 444$.
2. Add the numbers: $767 + 444 = 1211$.
3. Convert back to Roman numerals: $1211 = 1000 + 100 + 100 + 10 + 1 = MCCXI$.

Key Concept: Basic Roman Numeral Conversion

c) XV
[Solution Description]
To convert the number 15 to Roman numerals, we use the landmark numbers: V (5) and X (10).
Step 1: Since 15 = 10 + 5.
Step 2: The Roman numeral for 10 is X, and for 5 is V.
Therefore, 15 in Roman numerals is XV.

Key Concept: Roman Numerals – Landmark Numbers

d) M
[Solution Description]
Convert each option to Hindu-Arabic numerals:
a) D = 500
b) CM = 900 (1000 – 100)
c) DC = 600 (500 + 100)
d) M = 1000.
Therefore, M (1000) is the largest.

Key Concept: Roman numerals and landmark numbers

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To convert 999 to Roman numerals:
900 is represented as CM (1000 – 100),
90 as XC (100 – 10),
and 9 as IX (10 – 1).
Thus, 999 = CMXCIX, confirming the Assertion.
The Reason correctly explains that the subtractive principle (like IV for 4 or IX for 9) was used but not always consistently, as mentioned in the syllabus regarding the representation of 40 as XL or XXXX.

Key Concept: Representation of Numbers

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To verify Assertion (A), let’s break down the Roman numeral $MDCLXVI$:
– M = 1000
– D = 500
– C = 100
– L = 50
– X = 10
– V = 5
– I = 1
Adding them up: $1000 + 500 + 100 + 50 + 10 + 5 + 1 = 1666$. So, Assertion is true.
Reason (R) states that symbols are added from left to right in descending order. This is correct because in $MDCLXVI$, the symbols are ordered as M (1000), D (500), C (100), L (50), X (10), V (5), I (1), which follows descending order. Moreover, Reason correctly explains why the assertion is true, as this ordering rule ensures accurate addition. Thus, both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Key Concept: Concept merging, Base-n arithmetic

c) 97 in base-10
[Solution Description]
Step 1: Convert both numbers to base-10.
For 124 (base-5):
$1 \times 5^2 + 2 \times 5^1 + 4 \times 5^0 = 25 + 10 + 4 = 39$
For 213 (base-5):
$2 \times 5^2 + 1 \times 5^1 + 3 \times 5^0 = 50 + 5 + 3 = 58$
Step 2: Add them:
$39 + 58 = 97$ in base-10.

Key Concept: Base-5 Number System

c) 200
[Solution Description]
To convert 50 to base-5, we divide the number by successive powers of 5. The largest power of 5 less than 50 is $5^3 = 125$, which is too large, so we start with $5^2 = 25$. Divide 50 by 25: $50 \div 25 = 2$ with remainder 0. Next, divide the remaining part (0) by $5^1 = 5$: $0 \div 5 = 0$ with remainder 0. Finally, divide by $5^0 = 1$: $0 \div 1 = 0$ with remainder 0. Thus, 50 in base-5 is written as 200.

Key Concept: Base conversion, Grouping principle

b) 514 in base-7
[Solution Description]
To represent 256 in base-7:
Step 1: Find the largest power of 7 less than or equal to 256.
$7^3 = 343$ is too large. So, $7^2 = 49$ comes first.
Step 2: Divide 256 by 49. We get 5 with remainder $256 – (49 \times 5) = 11$.
Step 3: Divide the remainder 11 by $7^1 = 7$. We get 1 with remainder $11 – 7 = 4$.
Step 4: The remaining 4 is represented by $7^0 = 1$ units.
Thus, $256 = 5 \times 7^2 + 1 \times 7^1 + 4 \times 7^0$, which is written as 514 in base-7.

Key Concept: Landmark Numbers

c) 27
[Solution Description]
The landmark numbers in a base-3 system are powers of 3: $3^0 = 1$, $3^1 = 3$, $3^2 = 9$, $3^3 = 27$. The fourth landmark number is $3^3 = 27$.

Key Concept: Concept merging, Base comparison

c) 1210 in base-4
[Solution Description]
Step 1: Find the largest power of 4 less than or equal to 100.
$4^3 = 64$ is the largest.
Step 2: Divide 100 by 64. Quotient is 1, remainder is $100 – 64 = 36$.
Step 3: Divide 36 by $4^2 = 16$. Quotient is 2, remainder is $36 – 32 = 4$.
Step 4: Divide 4 by $4^1 = 4$. Quotient is 1, remainder is 0.
Step 5: Final representation is $1 \times 4^3 + 2 \times 4^2 + 1 \times 4^1 + 0 \times 4^0 = 1210$ (base-4).

Key Concept: Base of a Number System

b) A system with landmark numbers 1, 5, 25, 125
[Solution Description]
A base-5 number system has landmark numbers as powers of 5, such as $5^0 = 1$, $5^1 = 5$, $5^2 = 25$, etc.

Key Concept: Shortcomings of the Egyptian System

c) It required an unending sequence of symbols for higher powers of $10$
[Solution Description]
The Egyptian number system required an unending sequence of symbols for higher powers of $10$ as numbers grew larger, making it impractical for very large representations.

Key Concept: Assertion-Reason

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Egyptian number system uses base 10 for grouping numbers, which is true as the system groups numbers in powers of 10 (e.g., 1, 10, 100, etc.). The Reason explains that each new landmark number is formed by grouping 10 collections of the previous landmark number, which is also true and correctly justifies the Assertion. Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Key Concept: Landmark Numbers in Egyptian System

b) 3
[Solution Description]
The Egyptian system uses powers of 10 as landmark numbers: 1, 10, 100, 1000, etc. To represent 7,250, we break it down as:
$7,250 = 7 \times 1000 + 2 \times 100 + 5 \times 10$
Here, the landmark numbers used are 1000, 100, and 10. Since each power of 10 is a distinct symbol, the total landmark numbers needed are 3.

Key Concept: Grouping by Different Base

d) 25
[Solution Description]
In this system:
$1^{st} \text{ landmark } = 1 \\ \\ 2^{nd} \text{ landmark } = 5 \times 1 = 5 \\ \\ 3^{rd} \text{ landmark } = 5 \times 5 = 25$
Thus, the third landmark number is 25.

Key Concept: Egyptian Number System – Representation

a) A single symbol for $10$
[Solution Description]
The Egyptian number system uses landmark numbers based on powers of $10$. The first landmark number is $1$, and the second landmark number is obtained by grouping $10$ collections of $1$, which gives $10$.

Key Concept: Variations on the Egyptian System

b) 25
[Solution Description]
In a base-5 system, landmark numbers are generated as follows:
– First landmark number: 1 ($5^0$).
– Second landmark number: 5 ($5^1$).
– Third landmark number: $5 × 5 = 25$ ($5^2$).

Key Concept: Base Systems, Multiplication

b) $432_5$
[Solution Description]
Convert $14_5$ and $23_5$ to decimal:
$14_5 = 1 \times 5^1 + 4 \times 5^0 = 9$.
$23_5 = 2 \times 5^1 + 3 \times 5^0 = 13$.
Product in decimal: $9 \times 13 = 117$.
Convert 117 to base-5:
$117 \div 5 = 23$ with remainder $2$,
$23 \div 5 = 4$ with remainder $3$,
$4 \div 5 = 0$ with remainder $4$.
Reading remainders from bottom to top: $432_5$.

Key Concept: Landmark Numbers in Base-4

d) $16$
[Solution Description]
In any base-$n$ system, landmark numbers are powers of the base. The first three landmark numbers for base-4 are:
$1 = 4^0 \\ \\ 4 = 4^1 \\ \\ 16 = 4^2$
Thus, the third landmark number is 16.

Key Concept: Base-5 System, Conversion to Base-10

c) 59
[Solution Description]
To convert $214_5$ to decimal, we use the place values in base-5:
$2 \times 5^2 + 1 \times 5^1 + 4 \times 5^0$
$= 2 \times 25 + 1 \times 5 + 4 \times 1$
$= 50 + 5 + 4 = 59$.
The decimal equivalent is 59.

Key Concept: Base-5 Landmark Numbers

c) 25
[Solution Description]
In a base-5 system, the first landmark number is 1. The second landmark number is obtained by grouping 5 collections of size 1, which gives $5 \times 1 = 5$. The third landmark number is obtained by grouping 5 collections of size 5, which gives $5 \times 5 = 25$.

Key Concept: Base System Representation

b) 12
[Solution Description]
To represent 7 in base-5, we find the largest power of 5 less than or equal to 7, which is $5^1 = 5$. We can subtract 5 from 7 to get 2. So, 7 in base-5 is represented as $12_5$ (1 group of 5 and 2 units).

Key Concept: Base-n System: Grouping Efficiency

b) $3 \times 25 + 0 \times 5 + 3 \times 1$
[Solution Description]
To express 78 in base-5, we use the largest landmark numbers (powers of 5) less than or equal to 78. The landmark numbers are $5^0 = 1$, $5^1 = 5$, $5^2 = 25$, and $5^3 = 125$ (which is greater than 78). Divide 78 by 25 ($5^2$) to get 3 with a remainder of 3. Next, divide the remainder (3) by 5 ($5^1$) to get 0 with a remainder of 3. Finally, divide the remaining 3 by 1 ($5^0$) to get 3. Thus, 78 in base-5 is represented as $3 \times 25 + 0 \times 5 + 3 \times 1$.

Key Concept: Base conversion, Landmark numbers

b) $2000_4$
[Solution Description]
To convert $128_{10}$ to base-4, find the largest power of 4 less than or equal to 128:
$4^3 = 64$
$128 \div 64 = 2$ with remainder $0$.
Next, $0 \div 4^2 = 0$ with remainder $0$.
Then, $0 \div 4^1 = 0$ with remainder $0$.
Finally, $0 \div 4^0 = 0$ with remainder $0$.
So, $128_{10} = 2 \times 4^3 + 0 \times 4^2 + 0 \times 4^1 + 0 \times 4^0 = 2000_4$.

Key Concept: Simplified Arithmetic

c) Because of the positional value of digits.
[Solution Description] The positional nature of the base-n system makes operations like addition and subtraction systematic, as they involve digit-wise calculations with carry-over.

Key Concept: Representation Comparison

b) Roman numerals lack fixed landmark numbers, while base-n systems use powers of n.
[Solution Description]
In the Roman numeral system, landmark numbers (like I, V, X, L, etc.) do not follow a fixed multiplicative pattern. For example, grouping is not uniform (e.g., V is 5, but X is 10; there is no consistent multiplier). In contrast, a base-n system groups numbers strictly in powers of n, making arithmetic operations systematic.

Key Concept: Arithmetic operations in different bases

b) $41_5$
[Solution Description]
First, convert both numbers to base-10:
$12_5 = 1 \times 5^1 + 2 \times 5^0 = 5 + 2 = 7_{10}$
$3_5 = 3 \times 5^0 = 3_{10}$
Multiply them: $7 \times 3 = 21_{10}$.
Convert $21_{10}$ back to base-5:
Largest power of 5 less than or equal to 21 is $5^2 = 25$, which is too large, so use $5^1 = 5$.
$21 \div 5 = 4$ with remainder $1$.
Next, $1 \div 5^0 = 1$ with remainder $0$.
So, $21_{10} = 4 \times 5^1 + 1 \times 5^0 = 41_5$.

Key Concept: Shortcomings of the Egyptian System, Base Representation

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Egyptian numeral system requires an infinite sequence of unique symbols for higher powers of 10, which is true because each power of 10 has its own distinct symbol. The Reason claims that this inefficiency arises because the system lacks positional notation, which is also true since positional notation allows reuse of symbols with place value. Moreover, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion as the absence of positional notation directly leads to the need for more symbols in the Egyptian system.

Key Concept: Shortcomings of Egyptian System

c) Large numbers needed too many symbols due to lack of positional notation
[Solution Description]
The Egyptian number system used repetitive symbols for landmark numbers (powers of 10). As numbers grew larger, they required an impractical number of symbols because the system lacked positional notation and higher powers were not compactly represented.

Key Concept: Shortcomings of the Egyptian System

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Egyptian number system needed new symbols for higher powers of 10, which is true because it used landmark numbers without a base concept. The Reason correctly identifies the absence of positional notation and zero in the system, which are key shortcomings. The reason directly explains why the assertion is true, as the lack of these features necessitated distinct symbols for each power of 10.

Key Concept: Base concept in number systems

a) It requires fewer symbols for large numbers.
[Solution Description]
A base-n number system simplifies number representation and computations by using a fixed set of symbols (digits) for all numbers, avoiding the need for an unending sequence of unique symbols for higher powers like in the Egyptian system.

Key Concept: Arithmetic in Egyptian System

c) Manual symbol grouping made operations tedious
[Solution Description]
The Egyptian system lacked positional notation, forcing manual grouping and regrouping of symbols during operations like addition or multiplication. For example, adding $2907 + 43$ involved counting individual symbols and converting groups (e.g., 10 ones to 1 ten), which was time-consuming and error-prone.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation

a) $(2,5,30)_{60}$
[Solution Description]

The Mesopotamian number system used base 60, also called the sexagesimal system. In this system, each place has a value based on powers of 60. Since

$3600 = 60^2$

the given number can be written as:

$7530 = 2 \times 60^2 + 5 \times 60^1 + 30 \times 60^0$

So, the digits in base 60 are 2, 5, and 30.

$(2,5,30)_{60}$

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation

c) 60
[Solution Description]
The Mesopotamian number system is a base-60 system, also known as the sexagesimal system.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation, Hindu Number System

b) 4056
[Solution Description]
The given expression represents the number in expanded form. To find the decimal equivalent, compute each term:
$4 \times 10^3 = 4000$
$5 \times 10^1 = 50$
$6 \times 10^0 = 6$
Adding them together: $4000 + 50 + 6 = 4056$.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation

b) A sideways/corner wedge
[Solution Description]

In the Mesopotamian number system, numbers were written using cuneiform wedge-shaped symbols. A vertical wedge was used to represent 1, while a sideways or corner wedge was used to represent 10. Therefore, the symbol for 10 in the Mesopotamian number system was the sideways/corner wedge.

Sideways or corner wedge = 10​

Key Concept: Place Value Representation, Hindu Number System

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the Hindu number system’s use of 0 as a placeholder and a number was important for developing algebraic structures like rings. This is true because the concept of zero allowed for more advanced mathematical operations and structures. The reason given is that Brahmagupta’s work defined arithmetic operations with zero, which indeed provided the foundation for rings by ensuring closure under these operations. Since the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true, the correct choice is the option where both are true and the reason explains the assertion.

Key Concept: Ambiguity in Representation

b) Because the same symbol could represent different values depending on its place
[Solution Description]
The Mesopotamian number system was based on 60, called the sexagesimal system. In this system, the same symbol used for 1 could also represent 60 or 3600, depending on its position. Since early Mesopotamian numerals did not clearly use a zero or place-holder, it could sometimes be confusing to know whether a symbol meant 1, 60, or 3600. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Key Concept: Conversion to decimal, multi-step interpretation

b) 24
[Solution Description]
To decode this:
1. Two symbols for 10 represent $2 \times 10 = 20$.
2. Four symbols for 1 represent $4 \times 1 = 4$.
3. Since there is no higher power of 60, this is simply $20 + 4 = 24$.
4. However, if this were in the “60s” place, it would be $(20 + 4) \times 60 = 1440$.
5. The question implies the simplest case (units place only) due to lack of positional context.

Key Concept: Mesopotamian Number System

c) 60
[Solution Description]
The Mesopotamian numeral system used a base-60 (sexagesimal) system, where each position represented powers of 60.

Key Concept: Positional representation, conversion from decimal

c) Three symbols for 60 followed by three symbols for 1
[Solution Description]
To convert 183 to the Mesopotamian system:
1. Divide 183 by 60: $183 \div 60 = 3$ with remainder $3$.
2. The number consists of $3 \times 60^1 + 3 \times 60^0$ = 3 groups of 60 and 3 units.
3. The Mesopotamian representation would show 3 symbols for 60 (each being a symbol for 10 repeated three times) followed by 3 symbols for 1 (since they used base-60).

Key Concept: Mesopotamian Place Value System

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that 3600 is represented by a single symbol in the 3600s place in the Mesopotamian system. This is correct because 3600 = 60$^2$, and in their base-60 system, the third position from the right represents multiples of 3600.
The reason explains that the Mesopotamian system was a base-60 positional system. This is also true as the system used powers of 60 for different positions, with the rightmost being 60$^0$ (1s), next 60$^1$ (60s), then 60$^2$ (3600s), etc.
Furthermore, the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true: because it’s a base-60 positional system, 3600 corresponds to the third position. Hence, both are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.

Key Concept: Mayan Number Representation

a) Top level: 3 dots; Bottom level: 3 bars and 2 dots
[Solution Description]

The Mayan numeral system is based on 20. In this system, a dot represents 1, a bar represents 5, and numbers are written vertically. The bottom level represents ones, and the level above it represents twenties.

To represent 77:

77 = 3 × 20 + 17

Here, 3 is written in the upper level as 3 dots. The remaining 17 is written in the lower level as 3 bars and 2 dots, because:

17 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 2

So, the Mayan numeral representation of 77 is:

Top level: 3 dots; Bottom level: 3 bars and 2 dots​

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A.

Key Concept: Conversion from Hindu-Arabic to Mayan

a) Top level: 1 dot; Middle level: 2 dots; Bottom level: 2 dots
[Solution Description]

Key Concept: Mayan Landmark Numbers

d) It aligned with their 360-day calendar system
[Solution Description]
The Mayan civilization used 360 as their third landmark number (after 1 and 20) instead of 400 because it was likely related to their calendar system. Their calendar had 360 days in a year (tun), which influenced their numerical system.

Key Concept: Mayan Number Representation

d) Three bars ($\overline{\ }\overline{\ }\overline{\ }$)
[Solution Description]
In the Mayan number system, a dot $\cdot$ represents 1 and a bar $\overline{\ }$ represents 5. To represent 15:
– Three bars ($5 + 5 + 5 = 15$) are used.
– The correct representation is three horizontal bars: $\overline{\ }\overline{\ }\overline{\ }$.

Key Concept: Conversion from Mayan to Hindu-Arabic

c) 155
[Solution Description]
The Mayan number has two levels:
1. The top level represents 20s, where $\overline{\ } \cdot \cdot$ means $5 + 1 + 1 = 7$ units of 20.
2. The bottom level represents 1s, where $\overline{\ } \overline{\ } \overline{\ }$ means $5 + 5 + 5 = 15$ units of 1.
To convert to Hindu-Arabic, multiply the top level by 20 and add the bottom level:
Total = $(7 \times 20) + 15 = 140 + 15 = 155$.

Key Concept: Chinese rod numerals, place value conversion

c) 5079
[Solution Description]
Step 1: Identify the positions – The blank space indicates a missing place value. Following the pattern:
$5 (Heng) = 5 \times 10^3 = 5000 \\ \\ \text{Blank} = 0 \times 10^2 = 0 \\ \\ 7 (Zong) = 7 \times 10^1 = 70 \\ \\ 9 (Heng) = 9 \times 10^0 = 9$
Step 2: Add all values together:
$5000 + 0 + 70 + 9 = 5079$

Key Concept: Place Value System Basics

b) blank space
[Solution Description]
The Chinese rod numeral system used a blank space to indicate the skipping of a place value, acting as a placeholder. This is explicitly stated in the syllabus under the description of the system.

Key Concept: Chinese vs other systems, comparative analysis

d) Fully developed place value system
[Solution Description]
Key advancement shared by both:
1) Used distinct symbols for digits 1-9 (unlike cumulative systems)
2) Had clear positional notation where each position represented a power of 10
3) Both could represent zero (though Chinese used blank spaces initially)
4) This combination made calculations more efficient than non-positional or partial-positional systems

Key Concept: Chinese rod numerals, place value representation

c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the Chinese rod numeral system used blank spaces to represent zero in computations. This is true as the system employed blank spaces as placeholders for missing place values, similar to modern zero. However, the reason claims that blank spaces could cause ambiguity in interpreting numbers with skipped place values. This is false because the Chinese system was designed with uniform symbol sizes and clear spacing rules, making it unambiguous to identify skipped places. Therefore, the assertion is true while the reason is false.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation

a) 6 (Heng), blank, 9 (Heng), blank
[Solution Description]
The number 6,090 can be expanded as:
$6 \times 1000 + 0 \times 100 + 9 \times 10 + 0 \times 1$.
Hence, the representation is:
6 (Heng for thousands),
0 (Zong for hundreds – blank space or zero symbol),
9 (Heng for tens),
0 (Zong for units – blank space or zero symbol).

Key Concept: Place Value System, Hindu Number System

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion states that the Hindu number system’s use of 0 as both a digit and a number eliminated ambiguity and enabled efficient computation. This is true because the positional value system relies on 0 to represent absence in a place without altering the value of other digits. The Reason states that Brahmagupta codified the arithmetic properties of zero, treating it as a number, which is also true and directly explains why the system could handle computations efficiently. The Reason provides the conceptual basis for the Assertion, making it the correct explanation.

Key Concept: Zero in Hindu Number System

c) Codified arithmetic operations with 0
[Solution Description]
Brahmagupta codified the use of 0 as a number with arithmetic properties in his work Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta (628 CE). He introduced operations like addition and multiplication involving zero, treating it as a number on par with others.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation: The Hindu Number System

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the numeral 405 can be expanded as $4 \times 10^2 + 0 \times 10 + 5 \times 1$, which is true for the Hindu number system, a base-10 place value system. The reason states that ‘0’ serves as a placeholder to avoid ambiguity in number representation, which is also true. Moreover, the reason correctly explains why the assertion holds true, as the presence of ‘0’ ensures the correct placement and value of each digit in the numeral.

Key Concept: Landmark Numbers

c) $10^2$
[Solution Description]
In the Hindu number system, landmark numbers are powers of 10. The hundreds place corresponds to $10^2$, which equals 100.

Key Concept: Place Value Representation

c) 5000
[Solution Description]
The number 5,672 can be expanded using place value as:
$5 \times 10^3 + 6 \times 10^2 + 7 \times 10^1 + 2 \times 10^0$
Here, the digit ‘5’ is in the thousands place ($10^3$), so its value is $5 \times 1000 = 5000$.