You are here

Home » MAA Publications » Periodicals » Convergence » Problems from Another Time

Problems from Another Time

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

Man Crossing a Bridge
A man is walking across a bridge, when a boat passes under the bridge.How rapidly are the boat and the pedestrian separating after the boat passes under the bridge?
8th Grade Education in 1895
What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895
Creatures with Four or Six Heads
Now there are six-headed four-legged animals and four-headed two-legged birds. Find the total number of animals and birds.
A Dangerous Castle Indeed
A castle has n rooms each of which has 7 samurai in it.
Difference of Squares
Having been given the sum of two numbers, a, and the difference of their squares, b, find the numbers.
A Tree with Branches, Nests, Eggs and Birds
There is a tree with 100 branches. How many nests, eggs and birds are there?
Height and Distance
An erect pole of 10 cubits has its base moved 6 cubits. Determine the new height and the distance the top of the pole is lowered.
Why It Pays to Learn Math
In order to encourage his son in the study of arithmetic, a father agrees to pay him 8 pennies for every problem solved correctly and to charge him 5 pennies for each incorrect solution.
The Size of a City
A square walled city of unknown dimensions has four gates, one at the center of each side.
Tomato Can
A cylindrical tin tomato can is to be made which shall have a given capacity. Find what should be the ratio of the height to the radius of the base that the smallest possible amount of tin shall be required.

Pages