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Problems from Another Time

Individual problems from throughout mathematics history, as well as articles that include problem sets for students.

Animal Customs
A fox, a wild-cat, and a hound pass through customs and together pay 111 coins.
Sick Leave
A teacher agreed to teach 9 months for $562.50 and his board. At the end of the term, on account of two months' absence caused by sickness, he received only $409.50. What was his board worth per month?
Out to Pasture
Two men rent a pasture for 100 lire on the understanding that two cows are to be counted as being equivalent to three sheep. The first puts in 60 cows and 85 sheep; the second 80 cows and 100 sheep. How much should each pay?
'He Advanced Him 200 Lambs of Gold': The Pamiers Manuscript - Appendix B: Solutions
Discussion of 15th century French manuscript, with translation of its problems, including one with negative solutions
Something Fishy at Customs
Two men brought their fish through customs. Find how much the fish cost, and what is the customs fee.
Weight of a Ball
If a ball 6 inches in diameter weighs 32 lbs, what will be the weight of a ball 3 inches in diameter?
Points in a Semicircle
Given a semicircle, prove that if O is the circle's center, DO=OE.
Comparing Apples to Oranges
The purchase price for an apple and an orange is 100 yen. When n oranges and n + 3 apples are bought the price is 520 yen. Find the number n of oranges and the price of one orange.
A Game of Cat and Mouse
A mouse is at the top of a poplar tree 60 braccia high, and a cat is on the ground at its foot. The mouse descends 1/2 a braccia a day and at night it turns back 1/6 of a braccia.
Investing in Apples and Pears
A merchant woman buys and sells apples and pears. How much did she invest in apples; how much in pears?

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