OLD NUMERAL SYMBOLS
15
½, ⅓, ⅔, ¼, each of which had its own symbol. Some of the numeral symbols in Ahmes deviate somewhat from the forms given in the two preceding tables; other symbols are not given in those tables. For the reading of the example in question we give here the following symbols:
| Four | ( symbol characters)
|
One-fourth | (symbol characters)
|
|
| Five | (symbol characters)
|
Heap | (symbol characters)
|
See Fig. 7 |
| Seven | (symbol characters)
|
The whole | (symbol characters)
|
See Fig. 7 |
| One-half | (symbol characters)
|
It gives | (symbol characters)
|
See Fig. 7 |
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Fig. 7.—An algebraic equation and its solution in the Ahmes papyrus, 1700 B.C., or, according to recent authorities, 1550 B.C. (Problem 34, Plate XIII in Eisenlohr; p. 70 in Peet; in chancellor Chace’s forthcoming edition, p. 76, as R. C. Archibald informs the writer.)
Translation (reading from right to left):
“10 gives it, whole its, ¼ its, ½ its, Heap No.34 ½ 1⁄28¼ ¼½1 1 1⁄14½ ½3.. 1⁄14⅐½5 is heap the together 7 4 ¼ ⅐ Proof the of Beginning 1⁄14⅐½5 1⁄281⁄14¼½2 ½ ⅛¼ Remainder ⅛½9 together 1⁄561⁄28⅛¼1 ¼ 14 gives ¼ 1⁄561⁄281⁄281⁄141⁄14⅐ 21 Together .7 gives ⅛ 1 2 2 4 4 8”
