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China Terminology ›› 2019, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (5): 68-74.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8578.2019.05.014

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When Were the Arabic Numerals Introduced to China?

HUANG Heqing   

  • Received:2018-10-20 Online:2019-10-25 Published:2019-10-25

Abstract:

The Eastern Arabic numerals were introduced to the China in the Yuan Dynasty, and the Western Arabic numerals, i.e., European-style Arabic numerals, were introduced to China by the Jesuits in the early 17th century. Although the Arabic numerals have been introduced, they have not been widely used, and they will not be implemented until the late 19th century. The Chinese name for Arabic numerals appeared in 1642, there have been many names, including the “Alabo shuzi” (Arabic numerals) produced in the 1910s. This name is still in use today.

Key words: numeral, Arabic numerals, Chinese numerals, mathematics, practice

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