On the correctness of problem solving in ancient mathematical procedure texts

Authors

  • Mario Bacelar Valente Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, España

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22370/rhv2020iss16pp169-189

Keywords:

mathematical problems, problem solving, mathematical procedure, correctness

Abstract

It has been argued in relation to Old Babylonian mathematical procedure texts that their validity or correctness is self-evident. One “sees” that the procedure is correct without it having, or being accompanied by, any explicit arguments for the correctness of the procedure. Even when agreeing with this view, one might still ask about how is the correctness of a procedure articulated? In this work, we present an articulation of the correctness of ancient Egyptian and Old Babylonian mathematical procedure texts – mathematical texts presenting the solution of problems. We endeavor to make explicit and explain how and why the procedures are reliable over and above the fact that their correctness is intuitive.

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Published

2021-01-21

How to Cite

Bacelar Valente, M. (2021). On the correctness of problem solving in ancient mathematical procedure texts. Revista De Humanidades De Valparaíso, (16), 169–189. https://doi.org/10.22370/rhv2020iss16pp169-189

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Articles