Problems from Another Time

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

IOU

I owe a man the following notes: one of $800 due May 16; one of $660 due on July 1; one of $940 due September 29. He wishes to exchange them for two notes of $1200 each and wants one to fall due June 1. When should the other be due?

'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?

Conic Contents

Determine the greatest cylinder that can be inscribed in a given cone.

Feeling Sluggish

A leech invited a slug for a lunch a leuca away.