Answer to Question #133652 in Real Analysis for Mpimo

Question

What do you think the Babylonians used Mathematics for?

Answer 1

In ancient times, mathematics was used initially only for practical purposes like counting cattle, writing down grain yield, also trades usually require a lot of maths (). In this everyday-life situations Babylonians have used simple mathematical operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They had special tables like $a^3 +b^2$ for different a and b to quickly calculate amount of different goods. There were also more complicated situations, for example, when you need to divide some land between two families. Different geometrical tasks (dividing land) helped Babylonians to develop more complex maths - they knew quadratic equations, simple systems of equation with 2 variables, and also irrational numbers (like $\sqrt{2}$ ).

It well-known that Babylonians have invented sexagesimal numeral system that we use even now for time measurement. From ancient clay tables we know that Babylonians didn't use sexagesimal for time, they had their own time system. The most common version why would they use 60 as a base of numeral system is to convert different masses or volumes during trades. If one group of people use for measuring the same volume 12 units, another - 5 units, one more group - 3 units, it is convenient to use the least common multiple, 60, for conversion from one units to other units. Later, Babylonians used sexagesimal for their astronomy and calendar.