Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Maya Math Game

 

Ek' Muyal Chan
Level 1

Challenge 1

Bix yanilech, I am Ek' Muyal Chan. I can tell that you like to be challenged so be prepared to show your new Maya math skills.
Every time you complete a challenge I will give a new clue that will help you figure out what my job is and why knowing Maya math is important to my success. After you complete the 5th challenge, I will reveal my identity. Good Luck! Below is the first clue to get you started.

Clue #1: On several occasions throughout the year people come to hear what I have to say.

Problem
 
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Directions: Drag the correct symbol(s) from the gold boxes into the white boxes to match the number. Then complete the reduction for the final answer. Drag new symbol to replace a value, or click symbol to remove.

Keyboard Instructions: Press the space bar to copy a number symbol and drop it into the white box. To remove a number symbol from the white box, press the Enter key.

Note for screenreader users: Use your screenreader's "browse mode" to play the game.

 

Base 20

400’s
20’s
1’s
1
 
2
 
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17

 
Level 2: I can see that you are definitely up to the challenge. Good luck as you continue with your journey. Find your next clue below.
Level 3: You are showing awesome Maya math skills, so keep it up and good luck!
Level 4: You have proven yourself to be good at Maya math, but to be considered great at Maya math you have to complete the final two challenges.
Level 5: Your journey is almost finished. If you complete the challenge below correctly you will be given the knowledge of who I am. I predict that your time for greatness is near.
Clue #2: I love to write about and paint what I see happening in the sky.
Clue #3: Understanding the movements of the Sun, Moon, and stars is important for my work.
Clue #4: Xux Ek’ is my favorite star to watch, because it moves like a wasp in the sky.
Clue #5: People often ask me to tell them about the meaning of the day they were born.