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history of mathematics - National STEM Centre

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26<br />

777e Babylonians<br />

Figure 2.14<br />

Activity 2.13 Applying Pythagoras's theorem<br />

^mm^w<br />

^^jSriti&^.O'Z&r4::<br />

Here is a translation <strong>of</strong> Figure 2.14. The lines refer to lines <strong>of</strong> the right-hand column<br />

<strong>of</strong> the tablet.<br />

Line 17 A bar set up against a wall. If the top slips down 3 yards,<br />

Line 18 the lower end slides away 9 yards. What is the bar, what the wall? The<br />

units are not known. For example, 3 times 3 is 9. 9 times 9 is 1,21. To 9<br />

you will add 1,21.<br />

Line 19 1,30 times 0; 30. 45 is it. The reciprocal <strong>of</strong> 3 is 0; 20. 0; 20 times 45,<br />

Line 20 15 is the bar. What is the wall? 15 times 15 is 3,45. 9 times 9 is

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