Problems from Another Time

Individual problems from throughout mathematics history, as well as articles that include problem sets for students.

Peano on Wronskians: A Translation - Acknowledgment and About the Authors

How a translation of Peano's counterexample to the 'theorem' that a zero Wronskian implies linear dependence can help your differential equations students

Family Travels

Now there are three sisters who leave home together.

The Ruins of Persepolis

There are two columns in the ruins of Persepolis left standing upright; one is 70 ft. above the plane, and the other 50 ft;

Inscribed Circle

Given: a circle with an inscribed equilateral triangle. The triangle has sides which are 12 cubits long. What is the area of the circle?

'He Advanced Him 200 Lambs of Gold': The Pamiers Manuscript - Bibliography

Discussion of 15th century French manuscript, with translation of its problems, including one with negative solutions

Doing Some Gardening

There is a garden is the shape of a rhombus whose side is 577.5 feet. Within the garden is an inscribed square flower bed whose side is 396 feet. What is the area of the garden?

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

A bridge is built across a river in 6 months by 45 men. It is washed away by the current. Find the number of workmen sufficient to build another of twice as much worth in 4 months.

Divide the Stakes

Two persons sit down to play for a certain sum of money, and agree that the first who gets three games shall be the winner. After a few games they resolve to divide the stakes. How much should each person receive?

The Cog-Wheel Revolution

Two cog-wheels, one having 26 cogs, and the other 20 cogs, run together. In how many revolutions of the larger wheel will the smaller gain in 12 revolutions?

The Recruiting Officers

Two officers each have a company of men, the one has 40 less than the other.