HinduArabische

Hindu-Arabic numerals refer to the ten-digit decimal numeral system used worldwide today. Originating in India, the system uses digits 0 through 9 and a place-value notation, allowing compact and scalable arithmetic. Indian mathematicians developed the concept of zero as both a placeholder and a number, with Brahmagupta (c. 598–668) contributing foundational rules in the 7th century. Over time, the numeral shapes and ideas were refined and transmitted beyond the Indian subcontinent.

The notation spread to the Islamic world, where scholars adopted and adapted the digits and the decimal system. The term Hindu-Arabic reflects Indian origin and Arabic transmission. In the medieval Islamic mathematic tradition, these numerals were used in arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy, and they circulated widely through scholarly networks. From there, transmission reached Europe, chiefly through translations in Spain and Italy. The Italian Fibonacci helped popularize the system in the 13th century with Liber Abaci, which demonstrated practical counting and computation.

Impact and usage: The Hindu-Arabic system gradually supplanted Roman numerals in commerce, science, and education because of its straightforward place-value logic and the usefulness of zero. Today it constitutes the global standard for numerical notation, underpinning modern mathematics, science, and daily counting. The core digit set (0–9) is widely used, though regional variants exist, such as Eastern Arabic numerals in parts of the Arab world. The system stands as a cross-cultural achievement resulting from Indian innovation, Arabic scholarly work, and later European adoption.