hindoeArabische

Hindu-Arabic numerals, also known as Hindu-Arabic decimal numerals, refer to the ten digits 0 through 9 used in a decimal place-value system. They are the most widespread numeral system in the world today and underpin modern arithmetic, science, and computing.

Origins and development trace back to India, where a decimal place-value system was developed and the concept of zero as a number and placeholder was refined. Indian mathematicians, notably Brahmagupta in the 7th century, articulated rules for arithmetic that incorporated zero, forming the basis of the system later carried to other regions. The exact historical evolution is complex and spans several centuries, with manuscript evidence from various centers of learning.

Transmission to the Islamic world occurred via trade and scholarly contact. Persian and Arab scholars adopted the Hindu-Arabic method, incorporating its digits and algebraic techniques into their work. From the Islamic world, the system spread to Europe during the Middle Ages through translations of Arabic texts and the influence of Italian merchants and scholars. The spread was gradual, with widespread adoption occurring from the 13th to the 16th centuries. European mathematicians and printers helped standardize the numerals, and they gradually supplanted Roman numerals for most practical purposes.

Variants and usage: In contemporary contexts, the term often refers to Western Arabic numerals (0–9) used globally. In Arabic-speaking regions, Arabic-Indic digits (٠–٩) are also common, while the underlying decimal, base-10, place-value concept remains universal. The Hindu-Arabic numeral system enabled advanced mathematics, commerce, and later the development of modern computing.