How did the rope-stretchers of Egypt use the Pythagorean Theorem?

How did the rope-stretchers of Egypt use the Pythagorean Theorem?

Here is one way the Egyptian rope-stretchers might have used an isosceles triangle to make a right angle, without knowing the Pythagorean Theorem: Get four pegs and three ropes. Two of the ropes should have an odd number of knots, evenly spaced. (The reason for an odd number is to make it easy to find the center.)

What did the Egyptians use rope for?

From securing a ship, to tying cattle to a post, building shelters and curing headaches, rope and string were a multipurpose commodity in ancient Egypt. The material used most widely for the production of rope was papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) and other sedges of the Cyperus family. …

Which surveyors called rope-stretchers?

Herodotus (ca. 484–425 BCE), the Greek historian, attributed the origins of geometry to the Nile Valley of Egypt, where priest-surveyors stretched ropes to mark out land boundaries. These “rope-stretchers,” or as Herodotus called them harpedonaptae, are the first historically recognized surveyors.

What did surveyors do in ancient Egypt?

An ancient Egyptian survey crew used measuring ropes, plumb bobs, sighting instruments, and leveling instruments. The ancient Egyptian measuring rope (the old term for “surveyors” was “harpedonaptae” or rope-stretchers) was treated to hold its length.

How many years did Pythagoras spend in Egypt?

Thales advised Pythagoras to visit Egypt, which he did when he was about 22 years old. Pythagoras must have liked Egypt. He lived there for about the next 22 years of his life, mastering mathematical ideas AND spiritual ideas. Pythagoras enjoyed life in Egypt.

Who invented the rope?

ancient Egyptians
The ancient Egyptians were probably the first civilization to develop special tools to make rope. Egyptian rope dates back to 4000 to 3500 BC and was generally made of water reed fibres. Other rope in antiquity was made from the fibres of date palms, flax, grass, papyrus, leather, or animal hair.

What is Merchet instrument?

The merchet was a staff with a wide notched top. The notch was a long slit through which the instrument operator aligned a fixed plumb-line and the “rope-men”. This enabled the Egyptians to measure long lines effectively.

What is a rope stretcher in ancient Egypt?

Rope stretcher. In ancient Egypt, a rope stretcher (or harpedonaptai) was a surveyor who measured real property demarcations and foundations using knotted cords, stretched so the rope did not sag. The practice is depicted in tomb paintings of the Theban Necropolis. Rope stretchers used 3-4-5 triangles and the plummet,…

What does rope stretcher stand for?

In ancient Egypt, a rope stretcher (or harpedonaptai) was a surveyor who measured real property demarcations and foundations using knotted cords, stretched so the rope did not sag.

What was the ancient Egyptian measuring rope made out of?

The ancient Egyptian measuring rope (the old term for “surveyors” was “harpedonaptae” or rope-stretchers) was treated to hold its length. It was stretched taut between stakes and then rubbed with a mixture of beeswax and resin. Some

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