Which of these facts could you determine by reading the geologic time scale?

The geological time scale is the frame of reference to represent the events of the History of the Earth and of life arranged chronologically. It establishes divisions and subdivisions of the rocks according to their relative age and the absolute time elapsed since the formation of the Earth until today.

The area of study known as the history of mathematics is primarily an investigation into the origin of discoveries in mathematics and, to a lesser extent, an investigation into the mathematical methods and notation of the past. Before the modern age and the worldwide spread of knowledge, written examples of new mathematical developments have come to light only in a few locales. From 3000 BC the Mesopotamian states of Sumer, Akkad and Assyria, together with Ancient Egypt and Ebla began using arithmetic, algebra and geometry for purposes of taxation, commerce, trade and also in the field of astronomy and to formulate calendars and record time.