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What was the first written evidence of mathematics in Egypt?

A) Rhind Mathematical Papyrus
B) Egyptian Hieroglyphics
C) The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus
D) Ancient Egyptian Calendar Systems

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus is the first written evidence of mathematics in Egypt, dating back to 1550 BCE and including knowledge of algebra, geometry, and the Pythagorean theorem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first written evidence of mathematics in Egypt is A) Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. This ancient document dates back to approximately 1550 BCE and includes advanced knowledge of algebra and geometry. It contains problems relating to the calculation of the volume of cylindrical granaries and the slope of pyramids.

Additionally, the Berlin Papyrus 6619, which is close in age, shows that Egyptian mathematicians were able to solve quadratic equations and had a solution to a problem involving the Pythagorean theorem. These papyri demonstrate that mathematical knowledge was well developed in ancient Egypt and eventually may have influenced Greek mathematicians, including Pythagoras himself.

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