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Problems from Another Time

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

Euclid's Algorithm for the Greatest Common Divisor
Project to help discrete mathematics and computer science students learn basic properties of division and the Euclidean algorithm and its proof from Euclid himself
Sums of Powers in Discrete Mathematics: Archimedes Sums Squares in the Sand
A project to help students learn from Archimedes' writings how he summed squares
Deduction through the Ages: A History of Truth
A project to introduce students to logic and especially implication by consulting original sources from ancient to modern times
Primary Historical Sources in the Classroom: Discrete Mathematics and Computer Science
A collection of modules for teaching and learning by 'reading the masters'
Dimensions of a Triangle
Determine the dimensions for a right-angled triangle, having been given the hypotenuse, and the side of the inscribed square.
University Payment Plan
A merchant gave a university 2,814 ducats on the understanding that he was to be paid back 618 ducats per year for 9 years, at the end of which the 2,814 ducats should be considered as paid.
Logarithms: The Early History of a Familiar Function - About the Authors and More Information on Sources
The authors recount the 'great tale' of Napier's and Burgi's parallel development of logarithms and urge you to use it in class.
Silver and Gold
There are two piles, one containing 9 gold coins, the other 11 silver coins.
Coins
A boy gives 11 coins of equal denomination to a man, and the man finds that their total value in yen is 4 less than his age.
Looking for Bargains
One says that 10 garments were purchased by two men at a price of 72 dirhams. The garments varied in value. The price of each garment of one man is 3 dirhams more than the price for each garment of the other. How many garments did each man buy?

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