Mathematics in Ancient Egypt

A Contextual History

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Other Sciences
Cover of the book Mathematics in Ancient Egypt by Annette Imhausen, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Annette Imhausen ISBN: 9781400874309
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: February 16, 2016
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Annette Imhausen
ISBN: 9781400874309
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: February 16, 2016
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Mathematics in Ancient Egypt traces the development of Egyptian mathematics, from the end of the fourth millennium BC—and the earliest hints of writing and number notation—to the end of the pharaonic period in Greco-Roman times. Drawing from mathematical texts, architectural drawings, administrative documents, and other sources, Annette Imhausen surveys three thousand years of Egyptian history to present an integrated picture of theoretical mathematics in relation to the daily practices of Egyptian life and social structures.

Imhausen shows that from the earliest beginnings, pharaonic civilization used numerical techniques to efficiently control and use their material resources and labor. Even during the Old Kingdom, a variety of metrological systems had already been devised. By the Middle Kingdom, procedures had been established to teach mathematical techniques to scribes in order to make them proficient administrators for their king. Imhausen looks at counterparts to the notation of zero, suggests an explanation for the evolution of unit fractions, and analyzes concepts of arithmetic techniques. She draws connections and comparisons to Mesopotamian mathematics, examines which individuals in Egyptian society held mathematical knowledge, and considers which scribes were trained in mathematical ideas and why.

Of interest to historians of mathematics, mathematicians, Egyptologists, and all those curious about Egyptian culture, Mathematics in Ancient Egypt sheds new light on a civilization's unique mathematical evolution.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mathematics in Ancient Egypt traces the development of Egyptian mathematics, from the end of the fourth millennium BC—and the earliest hints of writing and number notation—to the end of the pharaonic period in Greco-Roman times. Drawing from mathematical texts, architectural drawings, administrative documents, and other sources, Annette Imhausen surveys three thousand years of Egyptian history to present an integrated picture of theoretical mathematics in relation to the daily practices of Egyptian life and social structures.

Imhausen shows that from the earliest beginnings, pharaonic civilization used numerical techniques to efficiently control and use their material resources and labor. Even during the Old Kingdom, a variety of metrological systems had already been devised. By the Middle Kingdom, procedures had been established to teach mathematical techniques to scribes in order to make them proficient administrators for their king. Imhausen looks at counterparts to the notation of zero, suggests an explanation for the evolution of unit fractions, and analyzes concepts of arithmetic techniques. She draws connections and comparisons to Mesopotamian mathematics, examines which individuals in Egyptian society held mathematical knowledge, and considers which scribes were trained in mathematical ideas and why.

Of interest to historians of mathematics, mathematicians, Egyptologists, and all those curious about Egyptian culture, Mathematics in Ancient Egypt sheds new light on a civilization's unique mathematical evolution.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Ancient Chinese Thought, Modern Chinese Power by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Everett Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Success through Failure by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Transformation of American Politics by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Race in Another America by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Noir Urbanisms by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book When Computers Were Human by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Travels and Adventures of Serendipity by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Culture of Contentment by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Trouble in the Tribe by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Numerical Analysis by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Confidence Trap by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book Genes, Trade, and Regulation by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The Altruism Equation by Annette Imhausen
Cover of the book The First Book by Annette Imhausen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy