How Ancient Civilizations Did Math Without Calculators

Before calculators and modern technology, ancient civilizations had to rely on their own methods to solve math problems. They just counted on their fingers to use complex number systems, but from time to time, they developed clever ways to handle arithmetic, geometry, and even early algebra. But that was a challenge as well. Now, in the modern time, math problems have become complex.

So, in order to solve them, there are many formulas and calculators as well. But the question arises about the ancient civilizations. Ancient civilizations did math using tools like abacuses, counting boards, and simple paper methods. They relied on their knowledge of geometry, ratios, and logic instead of modern calculators. Let’s explore how different civilizations did math without calculators.

See first equipment and techniques

It is important to look at the basic devices and techniques used by them first before diving at a depth into how old civilizations developed to solve problems.

Abacus and Counting Boards Are Simple

The abacus, with beads on rods, was one of the earliest calculating tools, first seen in ancient Mesopotamia and later used in China, Greece, and Rome.

Pencil and Paper for Understanding

They used to add, subtract, multiply, and divide by using pencils and paper. This method required a deep understanding of the numbers and how they worked.

Lookup Tables to love Equations

Since there were no calculators, people created tables to store mathematical values like logarithms, sines, and cosines. Instead of solving complex equations manually, they can simply see values, add them or reduce them, and get answers.

Geometric and Numerical Methods

Ancient mathematicians used shapes, angles, and ratios to solve problems. Even before calculus, they found ways to measure land, design buildings, and study the stars using geometry.

Rope Tying for Triangles

Egyptians used ropes with knots to form right-angled triangles. This method helped them measure land and build structures using the Pythagorean theorem.

Stone Counting Makes Calculating Easy

Some civilizations used stones or small objects to represent numbers, help them count and do simple calculations. This practice eventually gave rise to more advanced number of systems.

Tally Method for items

One of the early methods of monitoring the numbers was by making recording marks on bones, stones or the earth. This method helped people count goods, livestock and business products.

Examples from different civilizations

After knowing about equipment and techniques, we are now taking a look at civilizations. They all tried their best to do math, using each different methods.

Babylonian for number system

He created a base -60 number system and recorded mathematics problems on clay tablets including multiplication tables and equations. Their system affected modern timing (60 seconds in minute, 60 minutes in one hour).

Egyptians Used Geometry Patterns

They were skilled in geometry and used math for surveying land and building pyramids. The Pythagorean theorem was also known to them long before Pythagoras was born.

Greeks used Pythagorean theorem

Greek mathematicians such as Euclid and Pythagoras developed geometry and logical evidence, and established inspiration for modern arithmetic.

Roman used Roman numerals

They trusted Abacus for general calculation and used Roman numerals instead of our modern volume equipment.

Mayans have developed a calendar

They created a base-20 number system and used math to develop accurate calendars and predict astronomical events.