Arabic numerals are the ten symbols used to represent numbers in the decimal system: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. They originated in India and were later transmitted to the Islamic world, where they were adapted and spread to Europe. These numerals are widely used today in mathematics, science, and everyday life due to their simplicity and efficiency. They allow for easy calculations and are the foundation of modern numerical representation, making them essential for various fields, including finance and technology.