Nanxi EDCP 442 Blog

Our group Project is 1.2.4: In the text from the Seleucids’ era (BM 34568), obviously composed for teaching purposes, occurs a rectangle with the sides a = 4, b = 3, for whose diagonals d we are given the terms d = a/2 + b and d = b/3 + a. Then we are supposed to calculate the three pieces a, b and d by means of the quantities a + d and b or b + d and a. Other than that, we can use a − b = 1 and A = a · b = 12, or a + b = 7 and A = a · b = 12. a) Solve these problems according to the modern method! b) Retrace the Babylonian steps of calculation by using the term (a + b)² − 4A = (a − b) ² passed down to us on clay tablets, in order to, first of all, calculate the difference a − b from the sum a + b and thereafter the sum and difference of quantities a and b themselves! This is our PPT: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FsASoA7QqRUaOuKEkFRpz4ao2k-pwjKoL-1nAPdiKfA/edit?usp=drive_link My reflection: When I first saw the problem, I immediately noticed it was designed for teach...

The weights I'm using are 1g, 2g, 5g, and 10g. I chose these weights because they are similar to the denominations of currency in my country. By arranging the weights on the scale's pans in different ways, various amounts can be measured. For example: Herb weight Left pan Right pan 1 1 herbs 2 2 herbs 3 1+2 herbs 4 5 1+herbs 5 5 herbs 6 1+5 herbs 7 2+5 herbs 8 1+2+5 herbs 9 10 1+herbs 10 10 herbs 11 10+1 herbs 12 10+2 herbs 13 10+1+2 herbs … … … For larger amounts, multiple 10g weights can be stacked, and the r...

Similarities: Both systems use symbols to represent numbers. The Babylonians used wedge-shaped marks, while the Egyptians used pictures, like lines and symbols, for different amounts. Both systems had separate symbols for larger numbers. There is no single numbers like 2,3,4… The Egyptians used one symbol for 10,100,1000,10000…while the Babylonians used their base-60 system to handle large numbers. Differences: The Babylonian system is a positional system, where the value of a symbol changes based on its place in the number, similar to our system today. The Egyptian system is an additive system, where you simply add the symbols together to get the number. Each symbol represents a fixed value (e.g., 1, 10, 100) regardless of where it appears.Base system: The Roman numeral system is similar to the Egyptian system because it's also additive. However, Roman numerals use some subtraction rules (e.g., IV for 4), which the Egyptian system does not. Advantages and Disadvantages: Egyptian ...

I believe students often avoid word problems because they find concepts like taxes or interest intimidating, especially when decimals are involved. After learning more about the history of word problems, I’d like to incorporate both that history and students' everyday lives into my teaching. I’d start by discussing with students where they might already encounter math without realizing it. For example, I might ask if they’ve ever thought about how much a discounted item costs or how long it takes to travel a certain distance. These are practical problems they’ve likely faced but don’t necessarily associate with math. Together, we’d turn these situations into word problems, helping them see that math is already a part of their daily lives. For the more challenging topics, like calculating taxes or interest, I’d create scenarios that are relatable. Instead of giving a generic tax problem, I might ask them to imagine buying a new phone with an option to pay in installments. We’d ca...

It's fascinating to consider how the ancient Egyptians were able to construct precise structures using only simple tools like measuring ropes and rulers. This made me reflect on whether our modern society is overly reliant on high technology and overlooks the ingenuity of simple tools and methods. The "stretching the cord" technique and the precise alignment of the pyramids showcased the ancient people's manual skills and spatial imagination. Another point that stood out to me was the role of astronomical observations in measurements. It made me realize that ancient people's observation of nature was so smart and their connection with heaven and earth was closer. While we rely on high-tech means like GPS today, I wonder if we have lost some of the wisdom of 'looking up at the stars' and the connection with nature.  My two questions: 1. How did the Egyptians maintain such precision in their surveying methods, especially when constructing pyramids and temple...