| This activity is designed to for students taking a Survey of Mathematics course research some of the ancient methods of multiplying two numbers. There are many different algorithms for multiplication. In this activity, the Russian Peasant Multiplication, multiplying using the lattice method (or Napier Rods), and the Egyptian Multiplication will be explored. This activity is suitable for anyone wishing to learn how the people in the past perform multiplication. |
| Introduction:
Did you know that the ancient people have different methods of multiplying two numbers? This activity will have you explore some websites and explore the ancient methods of multiplication. |
| The Task:
You will use the Internet to research and learn three of the different multiplication algorithms. You will also be asked to search for a short biography of Napier |
| Resources:
IMPORTANT: AFTER VISITING A SITE, TO RETURN TO THIS PAGE, CLICK THE BACK BUTTON ON THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THAT SITE. Babylonian and Egyptian Mathematics - discusses the Babylonian and Egyptian Mathematics. Look for multiplication. Napier Rods - shows how Napier Rods are used in multiplication. Russian Peasant Multiplication - explains the Russian Peasant Multiplication Ask Dr. Math - Russian Peasant Multiplication - Dr. Math's explanation of Russian Peasant Multiplication method Ask Dr. Math - Napier Bones - Dr. Math's explanation of multiplication using the Napier Bones (rods) Hutchinson's Encyclopedia - Napier Bones Ancient Egyptian Math - a web site written by faculty from Washington State University Ask
Dr. Math - Egyptian Multiplication - Dr. Math's explanation
of Egyptian Mutliplication
|
| Process:
1. Search the Internet for any information about John Napier, list some of his accomplishments. Also, give a brief biography of John Napier. 2. Go to the links
provided in the resources and multiply 45 by 68 using each of the three
methods -
3. Search the Web to
see if you can come find any other methods of multiplication methods other
than the
|
| Guiding Remarks:
You may find that the multiplication methods in the past can be more tedious than what we do now. However, notice the ingenuity that was exhibited. Distinguish the difference between the Egyptian and Russian methods. Take careful notes while you are browsing the sites. |
| Conclusion:
After you have completed this web quest, you should have an understanding of how people in the ancient civilization perform multiplication. If you are ambitious, you may want to explore how they perform division or even how they represent fractions. |
created by Elizabeth Chu
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updated August 9, 1999