[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Hindu-Arabic Numerals](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911) › c8.2 # The Hindu-Arabic Numerals c8.2 The Hindu-Arabic Numerals c8.2 - **Language:** English ### [c8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c8.2) What has been said of the improved Hindu system with a place value does not touch directly the origin of a symbol for zero, although it assumes that such a symbol exists. The importance of such a sign, the fact that it is a prerequisite to a place-value system, and the further fact that without it the Hindu-Arabic numerals would never have dominated the computation system of the western world, make it proper to devote a chapter to its origin and history. - [Previous: c7.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c7.86) - [Next: c8.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c8.3) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.smith-karpinski-1911.c8.2) · Pramāṇa