Problems from Another Time

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

Determine a number having remainders 2, 3, and 2 when divided by 3, 5, and 7 respectively.

A man hired a horse in London at 3 pence a mile. He rode 94 miles due west to Bristol then due north to Chester, whence he returned toward London for 66 miles, which put him in Coventry.

Square and Round Land

As for a square piece of land that amounts to 100 square cubits, if it is said to you, "Cause it to make a piece of land that amounts to 100 square cubits that is round," what is the required diameter?

Peano on Wronskians: A Translation - Appendix 1: Student Tasks

How a translation of Peano's counterexample to the 'theorem' that a zero Wronskian implies linear dependence can help your differential equations 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?

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?