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Problems from Another Time

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

Inheritance of Three Sons
A man died leaving 3 sons, to whom he bequeathed his estate in the following manner: to the eldest he gave 184 dollars; to the second 155 dollars and to the third 96 dollars;
The Ant Race
Two ants are 100 paces apart, crawling back and forth along the same path. The first goes 1/3 pace forward a day and returns 1/4 pace; the other goes forward 1/5 pace and returns 1/6 pace. How many days before the first ant overtakes the second?
'He Advanced Him 200 Lambs of Gold': The Pamiers Manuscript - First Shoots of Capitalism
Discussion of 15th century French manuscript, with translation of its problems, including one with negative solutions
Circle With a Chord
In a circle whose circumference is 60 units, a chord is drawn forming a segment whose sagitta is 2 units. What is the length of the chord?
Provisions
If 80 dollars worth of provisions will serve 20 men for 25 days, what number of men will the same amount of provisions serve for 10 days?
Ratio of Areas of Two Circles
If an arc of 45 degrees on one circumference is equal to an arc of 60 degrees on another circle, what is the ratio of the areas of the circles?
What is a Bowsprit?
A vessel is anchored in 3 fathoms of water and the cable passes over a sheave in the bowsprit which is 6 ft above the water.
Flying High
How high above the earth must a person be raised that he [or she] may see 1/3 of its surface?
Small Fish
There is a fish whose body weighs 8 ounces. How much does the whole fish weigh?
Perpendicular Curves
Show that the curves x2 - y2 = a2 and 2 xy = b2 cross at right angles.

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