Some people argue that Egyptians did not know mathematics. Is this true? Is there any foundations for this statement? If so, how did they do the pyramids?
2007-10-30 05:32:11 · 4 answers · asked by Der Mann 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
They knew basic geometry, which is all they needed. They were able to use basic tools, also--they used a triangular plumb bob to measure if each stone was level. They used two equal length pieces of wood attached to a string, plus a third piece of the same length, to make sure the stone itself was flat--they'd hold the string tight, then run the third piece of wood under the string. If it hit the string, they knew they had a high spot and they would sand it down.
They also had a good knowledge of astronomy. They were able to sight off the North Star to find north and south, then use those to find east and west. There are also a few different theories about how they actually built the pyramids, but the most likely is that they used a series of ramps which went around them, then dismantled them as they came down.
2007-10-30 05:53:36 · answer #1 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our modern day geometry came to us from the Romans, who got it from the Greeks, who got it from the Egyptians. I have read many an article telling the precise angles of the pyramids and how it was achieved through their mathematics.
2007-10-30 05:57:37 · answer #2 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were extremely good at mathematics. The pyramids are very accurately built
2007-10-30 06:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many of the very early pryamids indicate that the Egyptians did a "trial and error" approach to building pyramids that were as steep and as intricate as the Great Pryamids. They were aware of "pi", although they didn't measure it to the accuracy of today.
2007-10-30 06:02:44 · answer #4 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋