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JOURNALS // Mathematical Education // Archive

Math. Ed., 2023 Issue 1(105), Pages 54–66 (Mi mo831)

From the history of mathematics

Fractions for $\sqrt{2}$, $\sqrt{3}$, $\sqrt{5}$, quasi-pythagorean triples and the appearance of the royal cubit, foot and inch in Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Part II

A. N. Kovalev


Abstract: It is hypothesized that in the Old Kingdom, after finding the fraction 47/21 for $\sqrt{5}$, discovered by Shchetnikov when analyzing the proportions of the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid, an inch was introduced as 1/21 of the royal cubit. Examples are given from architecture and religious art in which the inch was used.

UDC: 51-74 904



© Steklov Math. Inst. of RAS, 2024