RHIND MATHEMATICAL PAPYRUS

Kweku Ofori 17 hrs · 'Rhind' Mathematical Papyrus (1650 BCE) Is one of the best known examples of Ancient Egyptian mathematics. The text was copied by the scribe Ahmose from a much older text...... Purchased by Alexander Rhind in 1858 CE, the so-called "Rhind" Mathematical Papyrus (shown below) dates to approximately 1650 BCE and is presently housed in the British Museum. Although some Egyptologists link this to the foreign Hyksos, this text was found during excavations at the Ramesseum in Waset (Thebes) in Southern Egypt, which never came under Hyksos' rule. Written by the scribe, Ahmose, in the "Hieratic" script, the text reads as follows: "Accurate reckoning for inquiring into things, and the knowledge of all things, mysteries...all secrets... This book was copied in regnal year 33, month 4 of Akhet, under the majesty of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Awserre, given life, from an ancient copy made in the time of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt Nimaatre. The scribe Ahmose writes this copy..." The first page contains 20 arithmetic problems, including addition and multiplication of fractions, and 20 algebraic problems, including linear equations. The second page shows how to calculate the volume of rectangular and cylindrical granaries, with pi (Π) estimated at 3.1605. Tere are also calculations for the area of triangles (slopes of a pyramid) and an octagon. The third page continues with 24 problems, including the multiplication of algebraic fractions, among others. A page from the so-called 'Rhind' Mathematical Papyrus in 'Hieratic' text.