More important than the form of the number symbols is the development of the place value system. Although it is in slight dispute, the earliest known document in which the Indian system displays a positional system dates back to 346 CE. However, some evidence suggests that they may have actually developed a positional system as far back as the first century CE.

In this lesson we will explore positional systems an their historical development.  We will also discuss some of the positional systems that have been used throughout history and the bases used for those systems.  Finally, we will learn how to convert numbers between bases and systems.