SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -The number of seconds in a minute-and minutes in an hour-comes from the base-60 numeral system of ancient Mesopotamia. Developed around 3100 B.C., the sexagesimal system, as it is known, has fallen out of favor but is still used (with slight adjustments) to measure time and angles.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Babylonian system of mathematics was a sexagesimal (base 60) numeral system. From this we derive the modern-day usage of 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle. The Babylonians were able to make great advances in mathematics for two reasons.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Mesopotamians developed a highly sophisticated mathematical system with a sexagesimal place-notation (a base of 60 whereas the present-day base is 10). This system included addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, geometry, reciprocals, squares, and quadratic equations.