Rhind Mathematical Papyrus

The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian mathematical document copied by the scribe Ahmes around 1550 BCE. It records problems and methods involving arithmetic, geometry, and measurement.

Egyptian numerals: A decimal system using distinct symbols for powers of ten, written additively rather than positionally. The papyrus expresses calculations with this additive system.
Ahmes: An Egyptian scribe who copied the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus around 1550 BCE. His copy preserves the document’s problems and methods.
Rhind Mathematical Papyrus Problem 24: A papyrus problem asking for a quantity that, when increased by one-seventh of itself, totals nineteen. Its solution demonstrates a numerical method for finding an unknown quantity.
Middle Kingdom of Egypt: A period of ancient Egyptian history conventionally dated from about 2055 to 1650 BCE. The papyrus’s stated source reaches back to a mathematical text from this period.
History of mathematics: The study of how mathematical ideas, practices, and institutions developed over time. The papyrus provides evidence for mathematics practiced in ancient Egypt.
Egyptian fractions: Fractions written as sums of distinct unit fractions, with the fraction two-thirds as a notable exception. Many papyrus problems decompose fractions into unit fractions.
Egyptian multiplication: A method of multiplication based on repeatedly doubling quantities and combining selected results. The papyrus uses doubling tables to perform multiplication.
Rhind Mathematical Papyrus Problem 50: A papyrus problem calculating the area of a circular field from its diameter. It gives a concrete rule for approximating a circle’s area.
British Museum: A public museum in London whose collections include the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. The surviving manuscript is held in its collection.
Ancient Egyptian education: The transmission of literacy and specialized knowledge in ancient Egypt, often through scribal training. Its worked examples illuminate the practical knowledge associated with scribal learning.

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