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Rhind Papyrus

1) The earliest sources of ancient Egyptian mathematics date back to the Middle Kingdom, with one of the most important resources being the Rhind papyrus from the 19th century. 2) The Rhind papyrus contains many mathematics problems covering algebra, geometry, and other topics, including an accurate approximation of Pi. 3) The problems focus on practical applications, many involving fractions like how to divide 9 loaves of bread into 10 equal parts.

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Irina Vasilescu
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730 views

Rhind Papyrus

1) The earliest sources of ancient Egyptian mathematics date back to the Middle Kingdom, with one of the most important resources being the Rhind papyrus from the 19th century. 2) The Rhind papyrus contains many mathematics problems covering algebra, geometry, and other topics, including an accurate approximation of Pi. 3) The problems focus on practical applications, many involving fractions like how to divide 9 loaves of bread into 10 equal parts.

Uploaded by

Irina Vasilescu
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ancient Egyptian Maths

The first sources about ancient Egyptian mathematics date to what is called the Middle Kingdom. One of the biggest resources we have for mathematical writing is the Rhind papyrus, named after Alexander Rhind who purchased the papyrus in the 19th century and brought it to England. The papyrus is sometimes called the Ahmes papyrus after the scribe who wrote it. In the opening paragraphs of the papyrus, Ahmes presents the papyrus as inquiring into the knowledge of all things, mysteries and...all secrets. The papyrus lists many problems covering topics in algebra, geometry and other areas in mathematics, including a problem that gives a good approximation of PI. All the problems are related to practical matters and many of them are about fractions. Here is one of them that Mihnea, our group's Mathematician, has shown for the Flashmeeting. And, to finish within the bread theme, it is related to bread! How can you divide 9 loaves of bread into 10 equal parts? Here is the answer: 1. You cut 5 loaves in halves.

2.

then, you cut the 4 remaining loaves into thirds (1/3)

3. two of the thirds are cut into 5 pieces, each of these wil be a fifteenth (1/15) 4. fifteenth. each equal part will consist of one half, one third and one

1/2+1/3+1/15=9/10

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