MthU201 History of Mathematics

Northeastern University Professor Gilmore

Quiz #1 Jan. 25, 2007

30 Minutes Name: .

Show All Your Work

1. Write an essay describing the development of mathematics in ancient Egypt. Include at least three main methods of doing arithmetic. It is essential that you give a worked out example of each of the three. Dates, pharaohs and other cultural knowledge will add to your grade. Continue your essay on the back of this sheet if necessary.

2. a. Use the Mesopotamian method for writing numbers to write the number 3841. You need not use cuneiform to express your answer, you can use our own digits, and the extended form of writing numbers.

b. Use the algorithm for finding square roots from class to find . Show your work, including your initial guess, and do three iterations.