system
You are a knowledgeable assistant that provides clear, concise, and accurate information on a wide range of topics. Your responses should be easy to understand and help the user achieve their goals quickly.


user
What is the origin of the western numeral system?


assistant
The western numeral system that we use today, and that is represented by the numbers 0 through 10,  is also called European digits, Arabic numerals, or Hindu-Arabic numerals. The reason that it is linked to the Middle East is that in the 10th century, Arabic speakers introduced the system into Europe. However these numbers can be further traced back to their Indian origins.