Fast-forward Through Time

Question 1

Describe Egyptian Mathematics

Answer 1

Whole numbers and reciprocals of whole numbers only. Used a hash mark system - only good for adding.
Special number for 2/3, needed for their pyramid formula.
Knew the formula for the area of a truncated pyramid.

(think lines in the sand)

Question 2

Describe Babylonian Mathematics

Answer 2

Sexagesimal system! (No fractions)
Needed it for astronomy, their bae.
(think astronomy)

Question 3

Describe Chinese Mathematics

Answer 3

Base 10 system.
Heavily focused on arithmetic.
Especially calendar arithmetic.
Big bar exam to become a bureaucrat.
No idea of philosophy.
Isolated.
(think bar exam)

Question 4

Describe Indian Mathematics

Answer 4

Huge advances!
Heavy influence from most cultures we’ve seen before (Greeks, Egyptians, Babylonians).
Our number system comes from here.
Invention of zero, fractions, negative numbers, surds.
Invention of place values

Question 5

Describe Zeno’s Paradoxii

Answer 5

The flying arrow never moves.

A line has no width.