What was a major characteristic of the Mayan number system?

The major characteristic of the Mayan number system is that it utilized a concept of zero. This was a significant advancement in mathematics and allowed the Mayans to perform complex calculations and represent numbers more effectively. The use of zero as a placeholder distinguished the Mayan system from other numeral systems of the time, notably those that did not recognize zero, facilitating greater numerical precision and a more sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts.

The Mayan number system was vigesimal, meaning it was based on the number twenty, and it included symbols for one, five, and twenty, along with a symbol for zero. This ability to express zero enabled the Mayans to represent very large numbers and perform astronomical calculations, which were crucial for their calendar systems and agricultural practices.

Contextually, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of the Mayan number system. For instance, while it was used for trade, its purpose was not limited to that aspect; it was also integral to their calendrical and astronomical systems. The Mayan system was also not based on Roman numerals, which were additive and did not use a positional format or zero. Lastly, the absence of a concept of zero is incorrect as it is one of the defining features of the Mayan numeral system