"Babylonian Astronomers Used Advanced Math Formulas." Topic

In a new National Geographic article, it is reported that decypherments of clay tablets show that Babylonian astronomers used advanced math formulas to track the planet Jupiter. These formula were used more than a thousand years before it was thought they were first understood,and pushes back our timetable of math and history.

Full article here, as well as a link to the entire paper for anyone who wishes to read it.

link

Interesting. I wonder if they could decipher common core math?

I saw a mistake there squaring a negative.

I saw a mistake there squaring a negative.

No, that's correct. That's how they would summon Zuul the Gatekeeper of Gozer.

They built a huge temple using common core math principles. It collapsed shortly after it was completed and killed them all. The reason: 7 + 6 is not equal to 12, no matter how much you want it to be and no matter how hard you tried to convince the teacher.

The Akadians preceeded the Babylonians but unfortunately began developing common core math which lead to then being supplanted by the Babylonians

Don't get me started on what the Assyrians did to math.

They also developed a reasonably accurate method for calculating cube roots and had a rather wordy version of algebra, why is this a surprise ?

We still use their numbering system for time and circular measure and their astronomical knowledge was the starting point for Arab astronomers, one of the two major influences (along with the Greeks) on European mathematical traditions.

Also, it is perfectly possible to square a negative value – it is taking square-roots of them that causes problems.

I am always ALWAYS surprised when modern researchers and the consumers of their work show surprise at the mathematical and scientific accomplishments and abilities of ancient peoples. In general, humans are smart and clever. As a species, we are capable of fantastic things. The math for the atomic bomb was done by female students recruited to the project with no idea what they were working on… they were just solving equations by an assembly-line method done in multiple paralells to self-correct errors.

Them there ancient peoples were every bit as capable. They wrre *us* with generations of time to develop the math they needed for problem solving. Marduk Astarte Sargon did not simply wake up one day and create it all. It was a process.

A wonderful discovery, and not surprising, but instead, there will be more.