West Asian Numbers for Kids

Babylonian Math Problem

Triangles math problem

This is a real math problem assigned to Babylonian kids (in modern Iraq) about 1900 BC.

Here's the problem:

Suppose you have two equilateral triangles, one inside the other. Can you figure out the area of the space between the two triangles? Here's a hint: see how you can divide the area into three trapezoids?

Triangle problem
A better drawing of the problem

You'll need to know how to find the area of a trapezoid. (Scroll down for a better drawing of the problem)

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