Select one of the following to comment on:
1) Write an authentic set of numbers in the Egyptian numbering
A) Select one of the following to comment on:
1) Write an authentic set of numbers in the Egyptian numbering system, such as telephone or utility bills. What are advantages and disadvantages compared to the modern system?
2) Try to explain the method the Egyptians used to write any number as a sum of powers of 2, which is known as the "doubling method" and provide an example worked out. Be sure to explain your ideas, your work , your thoughts, and try to formulate questions to the class regarding the above activities.
B) Euclid proved there are infinitely many prime numbers. Explain what a "prime" number is. The number 52 can be written as the "product of prime numbers". What does this mean? Can an even number be a prime number? Why?
C) The Babylonians did not use zero or have a decimal point in their numerical system. What would be the implications of that type of mathematics for us today? Could our modern society survive without these two mathematical concepts? Why?
D) The Greek mathematician Pythagoras is famous for the theorem we call the "Pythagorean Theorem". Explain the details of this theorem and how it can be used to find the length of the 3rd side of a right triangle if the length of two sides are know.
E) Many believe that Western Civilization owes a great debt to the ancient Arabic and Hindu cultures. What is the nature and significance of this debt? What were some of the conditions that made it possible? Be sure to provide details and explanations in your comments.