Dividing 3200 by 365

1 365

2 730

4 1460

8 2920

2/3 243 1 ⁄ 3

1/10 36 1 ⁄ 2

1/2190 1/6

First the scribe doubles 365 repeatedly until the largest multiple of 365 is reached, which is
smaller than 3200. In this case 8 times 365 is 2920 and further addition of multiples of 365 will
obviously give a value greater than 3200 .Next it is mentioned that times 365 gives us the

amount of 280 we need. Therefore we know that 3200 divided by 365 must be equal . [6]
Algebra
Main article: Egyptian algebra

Egyptian algebra problems appear in both the Rhind mathematical papyrus and

the Moscow mathematical papyrus as well as many other sources. [6]

Aha
in hieroglyphs

Aha problems involve finding unknown quantities (referred to as Aha) if the sum of the quantity
and its part(s) are given. The Rhind Matematika Papyrus also contains four of this type of
problems. Problems 1, 19, and 25 of the Moscow Papyrus are Aha problems. For example
problem 19 asks one to calculate a quantity that is taken 1 and 1 ⁄ 2 times and added to 4 to make
10. [6] In other words, in modern mathematical notation we are asked to solve the linear equation :

Solving these Aha problems involves a technique called the false position method . The method
is also called the false assumption method. The scribe will replace an initial guess with the
answer to the problem. The solution using the false assumption will be proportional to the actual
answer, and the scribe can find the answer by using this ratio. [6]

Mathematical writings show that scribes used (least common) multiplications to make problems
using fractions with integers. In this connection the red auxiliary numbers are written next to the
fractions. [6]

The use of the fractions of the eye of Horus reveals some (nonsensical) knowledge about
geometric progression. Knowledge of arithmetic progressions is also evident from mathematical
sources. [6]

Quadratic equations
The ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to develop and solve second degree ( quadratic )
equations. This information is found in the Berlin Papyrus fragment In addition, the Egyptians
could solve algebraic equations of the first degree found in the Rhind Matematika Papyrus . [7]
Geometry

Image of Problem 14 from the Moscow Matematika Papyrus . The problem includes a diagram indicating
the dimensions of a truncated pyramid.

There are only a limited number of problems from ancient Egypt that are about
geometry. Geometric problems appear in both the Moscow Matematika Papyrus (MMP) and
the Rhind Matematika Papyrus (RMP). Examples show that the Ancient Egyptians knew how to
calculate the areas of many geometric shapes and the volume of cylinders and pyramids.

 Place:
o Triangles: Scribes record problems computing the area of a triangle (RMP and MMP). [6]
o Rectangle: Problems concerning the area of a rectangular plot appear in the RMP and the
MMP. [6] A similar problem appears in the Lahun Matematika Papyri in London. [8] [9]
o Circles: RMP problem 48 compares the area of a circle (roughly an octagon) and the area
of a square. The result of this problem is used in problem 50, where the scribe finds the
area of a circular field with a diameter of 9 khet. [6]
o Hemisphere: Problem 10 in MMP finds the area of a hemisphere. [6]
 volume:
o Cylinder cylinders : Many problems can calculate the volume of cylindrical granaries
(RMP 41-43), while problem 60 RMP seems to be concerned with a column or a cone
instead of a pyramid. It is rather small and steep, with a seked (reciprocal slope) of four
palms (per cubit). [6] In section IV.3 of the Lahun Matematika Papyri the volume of a
granary with a round base is found using the same method as RMP 43.
o Rectangular granaries: Many problems in the Moscow Matematika Papyrus (problem
14) and in the Rhind Matematika Papyrus (numbers 44, 45, 46) calculate the volume of a
rectangular granary. [6] [8]
o Truncated pyramid (frustum): The volume of a truncated pyramid is calculated in MMP
14. [6]
The Seqed
Problem 56 of the RMP indicates an understanding of the idea of geometric similarity. This
problem discusses the ratio run / rise, also known as seqed. Such a formula will be needed for
building pyramids. In the next problem (Problem 57), the height of a pyramid is calculated from
the length of the base and the seced (Egypt for slope replacement), while problem 58 gives the
length of the base and the height and uses the measurements this to calculate the seqed. In
Problem 59 part 1 calculates the seqed, while the second part can be a calculation to check the
answer: If you build a pyramid with a side base of 12 [cubits] and a seqed of 5 palms 1
finger; what is its altitude?  [6]