Appunti articolo Plimpton 322 is Babylonian exact sexagesimal trigonometry
which is more suitable for exact computation than our decimal system
The novel approach to trigonometry and geometrical problems encapsulated by P322 resonates with modern investigations centered around rational trigonometry both in the Euclidean and non-Euclidean settings, including both hyperbolic and elliptic or spherical geometries.
Finally we follow Knuth (1972) in showing that the OB tablet AO 6770
demonstrates an understanding of linear interpolation, which increases the
potential range and power of P322 considerable
it is becoming increasingly clear that the OB tradition of step-by-step
procedures based on their concrete and powerful arithmetical system is much
richer than we formerly imagined.
Geometry in ancient Babylon arose from the practical needs of administrators,
surveyors, and builders. From their measurements of
fields, walls, poles, buildings, gardens, canals, and ziggurats, a metrical
understanding of the fundamental types of practical shapes was forged; typically
squares, rectangles, trapezoids and right triangles, with general triangles very
much of secondary interest.
The seked of a right pyramid is the inclination of any one of the four triangular faces to the horizontal plane of its base, and is measured as so many horizontal units per one vertical unit rise. It is thus a measure equivalent to our modern cotangent of the angle of slope. In general, the seked of a pyramid is a kind of fraction, given as so many palms horizontally for each cubit vertically, where 7 palms equals one cubit.